Changing Demographics and Injury Profile of New Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries in the United States, 1972-2014

Publication date: Available online 22 April 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Yuying Chen, Yin He, Michael J. DeVivo
ObjectiveDocument trends in demographic and injury profile of new spinal cord injury (SCI) over time.DesignCross-sectional analysis of longitudinal data by injury years (1972–1979, 1980–1989, 1990–1999, 2000–2009, and 2010-2014)Setting28 SCI Model Systems centers throughout the United StatesParticipants30,881 persons with traumatic SCI enrolled in the National SCI DatabaseInterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresAge, sex, race, education level, employment, marital status, etiology, and severity of injuryResultsAge at injury has increased from 28.7 years in the 1970s to 42.2 years during 2010-2014. This aging phenomenon was noted for both sexes, all races, and all etiologies except acts of violence. The percentage of racial minorities expanded continuously over the last 5 decades. Virtually among all age groups, the average education levels and percentage of single/never married status has increased, which is similar to the trends noted in the general population. Although vehicular crashes continue to be the leading cause of SCI overall, the percentage has declined from 47.0% in the 1970s to 38.1% during 2010-2014. Injuries due to falls have increased over time particularly among those aged 46 years and older. Progressive increases in the percentages of high cervical and motor incomplete injuries were noted for various age, sex, race, and etiology groups.ConclusionsStudy findings call for geriatrics expertise and intercultural competency of clinical team in the acute and rehabilitation care for SCI. This study also highlights the need for a multi-dimensional risk assessment and multi-factorial intervention, especially to reduce falls and SCI in older adults.



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