Long-term medical complications after traumatic spinal cord injury: A regional model systems analysis

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Study of incidence, risk factors, and trends for long-term secondary medical complications after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Data from the National SCI Statistical Center on patients injured 1973-1998 were reviewed. Complications examined included pneumonia/atelectasis, autonomic dysreflexia, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pressure ulcers, fractures, and renal calculi. Pressure ulcers, autonomic dysreflexia, and pneumonia/atelectasis were found to be the most common secondary complications. Risk factors included complete injury, tetraplegia, older age, concomitant illness, and violent injury.

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