TY  - JOUR
PY  - 1994//
TI  - Early outcome in cervical spinal cord injured patients older than 50 years of age
JO  - Spine
A1  - Alander, D. H.
A1  - Andreychik, D. A.
A1  - Stauffer, E. S.
SP  - 2299
EP  - 2301
VL  - 19
IS  - 20
N2  - STUDY DESIGN: This study retrospectively reviewed consecutive spinal cord injured patients older than 50 years of age. OBJECTIVE: This study established reasonable expectations for the early clinical outcome of cervical spinal cord injured patients greater than 50 years of age. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies of cervical spinal cord injuries have concentrated on long-term morbidity and mortality. Little data has been reported on the early clinical outcome during rehabilitation. METHODS: Forty-two consecutive patients older than 50 years of age at the time of cervical cord injury were reviewed. Data was collected from the time of injury to discharge from rehabilitation (< 4 months) and included morbidity, mortality, and disposition of the patient. RESULTS: There were 15 complete and 27 incomplete cervical cord lesions. Forty-five percent were caused by falls, 42% by motor vehicle accidents. Serious associated morbidity was 81% in complete cord injuries and 34% in incomplete lesions. Overall mortality was 23%. Complete cord injury mortality rate was 60% in this age group. All patients over 65 years of age with complete cord injuries died. CONCLUSIONS: Incomplete cervical cord lesions have the best prognosis for return to home and a functional lifestyle. Complete cervical cord injuries in patients older than 50 years of age have a 60% mortality rate. Complete cervical cord injuries in patients over 65 years have a poor prognosis for survival.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0362-2436
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -