Epidemiologic Change of Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2013 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5535/arm.2013.37.1.50 · Published: January 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study examines changes in the characteristics of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients admitted to a rehabilitation hospital in Korea between 1987-1996 and 2004-2008. The research compares factors like gender, age, causes of injury (traumatic vs. non-traumatic), type and severity of disability, urination methods, and length of hospital stay. The goal is to understand how the patterns of SCI are evolving in Korea, considering factors like an aging population and medical advancements.

Study Duration

1987-1996 and 2004-2008

Participants

629 patients with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The proportion of female SCI patients significantly increased.
2
The average age at the time of injury increased, and injuries from non-traumatic causes became more common.
3
Tetraplegia and incomplete injuries were more frequent compared to paraplegia and complete injuries.

Research Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiologic changes in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) admitted to a rehabilitation hospital in Korea, comparing data from 1987-1996 and 2004-2008. The results revealed a significant increase in female SCI patients, an increase in the mean age at injury, and a shift towards more non-traumatic SCI causes. Additionally, the study found an increased prevalence of tetraplegia and incomplete injuries, a change in urination methods, and a decrease in the duration of hospitalization.

Practical Implications

Healthcare Planning

The increasing age of SCI patients necessitates tailored rehabilitation programs for older adults.

Prevention Strategies

The rise in non-traumatic SCI and falls highlights the need for targeted prevention efforts.

Resource Allocation

The shift towards more tetraplegia cases requires allocation of resources for more complex care needs.

Epidemiologic Change of Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Healthcare Planning

Prevention Strategies

Resource Allocation

Study Limitations

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Epidemiologic Change of Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Healthcare Planning

Prevention Strategies

Resource Allocation

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?