Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries: An Evidence-based Practice Approach

Abstract

This article deals with the main issues of management of traumatic spinal cord injury discussing -physiological instability, prognostic determinants of recovery, natural history, care in supine position, mobilization, canal encroachment, cord compression, and indications for surgery.A review of relevant literature has been done including the STASCIS study to try and explore whether early or late surgery for traumatic spinal cord injury is better than conservative management.It reflects the ethos of Active Physiological Conservative Management for these patients at RJ&AH Orthopaedic Hospital.Considering the lack of credible evidence demonstrating superiority of outcome with surgery compared to early active management of the traumatic spinal injury, patients should be encouraged to make an informed choice.