Colonic volvulus in the spinal cord injured patient

At the Prince Henry Hospital between 1970 and 1987, 8 cases of colonic volvulus were diagnosed in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. This represents an incidence of 2.6% of SCI patients being treated at the hospital. The aetiology of volvulus is multifactorial and in these patients may be related to: neurological deficit; constipation as a result of immobility; and medications used for controlling muscle spasm, bladder and bowel function. Symptoms and signs are modified by the neurological deficit and awareness of the altered presentation will prevent delay and missed diagnoses. The effect of spinal cord injury and drugs on colonic motility needs further evaluation.