Experience with a spinal cord unit in Brasilia, Brazil

Abstract

SummaryWe have analysed our experiences in a Spinal Cord Unit in Brasilia, Brazil in the last 5 years (1982)(1983)(1984)(1985)(1986). There were 738 outpatients and 243 inpatients.One hundred and six patients were operated on by the neurosurgical staff, and the indications for operation are discussed. Some patients showed neurological recovery with surgery and some without surgery. Patients with a complete neuro logical deficit on admission did not show any improvement, and those with a severe but incomplete deficit showed improvement with surgery (18%), which was better than those without an operation. We conclude that a surgical proce dure seems to be indicated in those with a comminuted, or with an unstable fracture, if there is an incomplete neurological deficit with an unreduced spinal deformity. There was a possibility of recovery of some nerve root function. The goal of surgical treatment is to restore and maintain the anatomical relationships between the spinal canal, spinal cord and nerve roots with the simplest possible surgical procedure, returning the patient as soon as possible to his functional capacity and social life.

Estimativa da incidência e prevalência de lesão medular no Brasil

“…A incidência de lesão medular mostra significativa discrepância quando comparadas diferentes fontes bibliográficas. Revisando a literatura médica publicada entre 1960 a 2001, a incidência de novos pacientes hospitalizados variou de 9,2 a 53,4 por milhão por ano 3,5,6,7,11,14,18,19,20,25,26 . Nosso levantamento mostra 71 novos casos por milhão de habitantes, uma elevada incidência quando comparada à dos outros países.…”