[Spinal cord injury: still an interdisciplinary challenge [corrected]]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Surgical Innovation

Context:

• Spinal cord injuries (SCI) present persistent challenges in treating paralysis and sensory deficits.
• Modern SCI management, pioneered in the 1940s, has evolved significantly.
• Epidemiological shifts show an increase in women, average age, and tetraplegia cases.

Purpose:

• To review the historical development, epidemiology, and management of spinal cord injuries.
• To highlight advancements in acute and secondary rehabilitation, including specialized care for tetraplegia.
• To emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary and lifelong care for maximizing patient autonomy.

Summary:

• Early surgical decompression for SCI is safe and beneficial, though definitive evidence is pending.
• Tetraplegia management includes hand surgery techniques like muscle/nerve transposition, improving function in ~70% of patients.
• Common SCI sequelae and complications necessitate comprehensive, lifelong management strategies.

Impact:

• Improved functional recovery and independence for individuals with spinal cord injuries, particularly tetraplegia.
• Enhanced quality of life through holistic, interdisciplinary, and lifelong care approaches.
• Reduced secondary damage and improved patient outcomes through timely and specialized interventions.