Publication:

Epidemiologic evidence of spinal cord injury in Tamil Nadu, India

Background Spinal cord injury is a fearsome disability leading to increased rate of morbidity and mortality. Information about the incidence of spinal cord injury may provide support for the healthcare advancements. The aim of the present study is to investigate the epidemiology of spinal cord injury.

Methods The present study was carried out in Rajiv Gandhi government general hospital, Chennai, India. The study design was approved by the institutional human ethical committee. Questionnaire was used to collect the information from the patients in a prospective manner. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scoring systems was used to evaluate the severity of spinal cord injury.

Results A total of 245 cases of spinal injury were studied. Among them, 88 % (n=216) were male and 12% (n=29) were female. Spinal cord injuries of falls from height were prominent over the road traffic accident. Cervical level injuries are widespread in males and dorsal level Injuries are common in females.

Conclusion Hence awareness of the spinal cord injury and availability of healthcare facilities may minimise the consequences of spinal cord injury.