[Possibilities for rehabilitation in spinal injuries with or without neurological deficit]

Generally spine injured persons without neurological deficits can--as long as the principles of industrial medicine are observed--be occupationally integrated without any particular rehabilitation measures within the limits of their remaining capacity. Spine injured persons, however, with remaining instabilities, serious static deficiencies and/or neurological deficits need further rehabilitation after their in-patient and immediate posthospital treatment. Spinal cord injured patients usually have to accept serious changes and limitation in all spheres of life. Rehabilitation measure in work, school and the social field are vital. Despite all efforts at rehabilitation limitations do remain among other things in work, mobility and social contacts. The preceding paper presents the tasks and results of rehabilitation of spinal cord injured persons, special consideration being given to spinal cord injured persons with supporting facts from long term studies.