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Karlo M. Pedro, MD,1 Francois Dantas, MD,2 Peyton Lawrence, MD,3 Michael G. Fehlings, MD, PhD,4

1Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
2Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
3Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
4Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a devastating condition that can lead to severe and permanent sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction, significantly impacting an individual’s ability to function independently. Recent demographic changes have resulted in a notable increase in tSCI among the elderly, with falls emerging as the primary cause. Early recognition and prehospital management are crucial, emphasizing restriction of spinal motion and timely transfer to specialized centres. Since the time from injury to surgery significantly affects outcomes, decompression should not be delayed and offered in a timely manner to all tSCI patients. Additionally, emergent trauma care including conducting a thorough neurological assessment, maintaining adequate blood pressure and adopting a multidisciplinary approach, is essential for optimizing neurological outcomes and addressing long-term complications.
Key Words: Early surgery, geriatric trauma, neurotrauma, traumatic spinal cord injury.

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Falls are increasingly becoming the primary cause of traumatic spinal cord injury, particularly among the elderly population, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and proactive preventive measures.
Early recognition and appropriate prehospital management, including prompt transfer to specialized trauma centers, are crucial in saving the injured spine.
Neuroprotective strategies, such as maintaining adequate spinal cord perfusion and implementing early surgical decompression, are essential for attenuating the secondary injury cascade.
Multidisciplinary care is imperative for restoring functional independence, with a comprehensive approach addressing not only physical rehabilitation but also social, mental, and spiritual needs in patients with tSCI.
With an aging population and more fall-related mechanisms, the most common form of spinal cord injury (SCI) is an incomplete cervical SCI called central cord injury where the arms and hands are more affected than the legs. These patients usually have pre-existing degenerative changes and can experience cord contusion in the absence of a cervical fracture.
“Time is spine” is a key principle which guides spinal cord injury management. Most patients with a SCI require surgery, optimally within 24 hours after injury. Expeditious workup and referral/transfer of patients with a SCI to a specialized spine facility is important.
Be aware that 10-15% of patients with one spine fracture will have a second non-contiguous spine fracture. The presence of a spine fracture in one area should prompt a full spine CT.
Hemodynamic management of patients with a spinal cord injury is important to maintain cord perfusion. Mean arterial pressure should be maintained at greater than 80 mm Hg.
Methylprednisolone (a potent ant-inflammatory corticosteroid) and riluzole (a sodium-glutamate antagonist) are options in treating patients with an acute spinal cord injury and are optimally given within 8-12 hours after injury.
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Related Terms: Back Health, Early surgery, geriatric trauma, neurotrauma, traumatic spinal cord injury