Management of Spinal Cord Injury in a General Hospital in Rural India

Chacko, V and Joseph, B and Mohanty, SP and Jacob, Thomas (1986) Management of Spinal Cord Injury in a General Hospital in Rural India. Paraplegia, 24. pp. 330-335. ISSN 1362-4393

PDF c-Management_of_spinal_cord_injury_in_a_general_hospital_in_ru.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (779kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Two hundred eighteen patients with spinal injury treated in a general hospital in rural India are analysed. One hundred and twenty-five of them had neurological deficit. The commonest cause for spinal injury was falling from trees (55 2%). Rescue and retrieval systems for these patients were inadequate and knowledge regarding precautions to be taken when transporting the patint was lacking. The frequency of decubitus ulcération and of urinary tract infections were unacceptably high. A high percentage of patients with cervical spine injury expired. The study highlights the necessity for appropriate preventive measures, and also reemphasises the shortcomings of treatment of spinal cord injury patients in general hospitals.

Actions (login required)

View Item