Trends in spinal cord injury demographics and treatment outcomes between 1973 and 1986

A study of the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center database on 6,563 persons treated at Spinal Cord Injury Care Systems was conducted to detect demographic and treatment outcome trends over time. Data from the initial hospitalization and first two years postinjury were divided into four time periods based on injury year (1973 to 1977, 1978 to 1980, 1981 to 1983, 1984 to 1986). Between 1973 and 1986, mean age at injury increased, as did the percentage of nonwhites and the percentage of persons with quadriplegia, while the percentage of neurologically complete lesions decreased. There was an increase in long-term use of intermittent catheterization. Ventilator use during hospitalization also increased. Mean lengths of stay for acute care and rehabilitation decreased, although mean inflation-adjusted hospital charges increased. The percentage of persons rehospitalized during the second postinjury year decreased substantially. From 1973 to 1986, for persons admitted to the model system within 24 hours of injury, there was a 66% decrease in the risk of dying within the first two years postinjury. Overall, these data document changing demographics and treatment practices as well as an improved prognosis for persons with spinal cord injuries.