Acute spinal cord injury: current concepts

Optimal treatment of acute spinal cord damage requires an effective emergency medical service at the scene of injury coordinated with a hospital-based multidisciplinary team of physicians and allied health professionals. A detailed protocol outlines the steps required for evaluation, supportive therapy and stabilization. Emphasis is placed on team work with equal attention directed to nervous tissue and spinal column lesions. Laboratory and clinical investigations regarding spinal cord injury are directed toward epidemiology, anti-inflammatory agents, biomechanics, physical therapy and reconstructive surgery.