Authors: P. Narasinga Rao, B. Rajamohan
Introduction: Spinal cord injuries are most commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents. The next frequent causes are falls and acts of violence, Sports-related spinal cord injuries. Drastic reduction in the mortality & morbidity was noticed with the better management of pressure sores, urinary tract infections and respiratory problems with the advent of modern rehabilitative methods. Aims: To study clinical factors affecting long term outcome in acute cervical spinal cord injury patients, Materials and Methods: A 2-year study Conducted between 2015-2017, 33 patients with acute cervical SCI were included in the study, admitted in the department of Neurosurgery, Osmania General Hospital. Results: Maximum number of patients were in ASIA grade B 11/33 (33.33%), Neurological improvement-All patients improved in ASIA grade ‘D' and none in ASIA grade 'A'. Percentage improvement in cord edema group was 52% and contusion group was 0%. Percentage of improvement in less than forty years age group was 45%: and more than forty years age group was 46.1%. Percentage of improvement in early surgery group was 60% and in the late surgery group was 33.33%. Conclusion: Functional improvement in transfer, self-care and mobility was seen maximum in ASIA grade C. Amongst them, the 'transfers' function scored the maximum. Keywords: Spinal cord injuries, Functional improvement, Neurological status
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