[Perioperative management after traumatic paraplegia : Avoiding complications]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Traumatology
• Orthopedic Surgery

Context:

• Traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs) present complex management challenges.
• The perioperative phase is critical for optimizing patient outcomes.
• Age-related factors and comorbidities significantly influence treatment efficacy.

Purpose:

• To outline current treatment strategies for TSCIs, emphasizing the perioperative period.
• To highlight the importance of prompt, interdisciplinary care adhering to the "time is spine" principle.
• To discuss the integration of modern diagnostic and surgical techniques tailored to individual patient characteristics.

Summary:

• Successful surgical treatment of TSCIs requires considering patient-specific factors like bone quality, comorbidities, and associated injuries.
• Preventive and treatment strategies for common complications in TSCI management are detailed.
• Adherence to case-specific factors, advanced surgical methods, and prompt complication management are key for long-term success.

Impact:

• Establishes crucial groundwork for successful long-term management of debilitating TSCIs.
• Improves patient outcomes through optimized perioperative care and individualized treatment plans.
• Facilitates better functional recovery and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.