[Intensive care treatment concepts after traumatic spinal cord injury]

Spinal injuries are caused by strong traumatic impacts, followed not only by a local spinal reaction but also systemic involvement. The main problems in the early posttraumatic period are haemodynamic instability, pulmonary insufficiency and SIRS. In this period multiple risks of secondary injuries to the spinal cord or other organs exist and may develop towards life-threatening sepsis, ARDS and multi-organ failure. Optimum therapy for spinal injury patients is demanding and requires an experienced team for diagnosis as well as primary and secondary care. Close cooperation between intensive care and surgery is also important.