Harkey H Louis, White Elbert A, Tibbs Robert E, Haines Duane E
Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505, USA.
Anat Rec B New Anat. 2003 Mar;271(1):41-8. doi: 10.1002/ar.b.10012.
The primary cause of spinal cord injury (SCI) is automobile collisions, followed by violence, falls, and injuries in sporting events. The patient is most frequently a young male. Regardless of cause and age, SCI is a potentially catastrophic injury. The unique anatomical relationship of the spinal cord, being enclosed in the dural sac within the bony vertebral column, make it venerable to a wide range of traumatic insults. SCI is classified as complete or incomplete with several subclasses arranged under each of these respective headings. The probability of recovery to a functional state is usually better for patients with incomplete injuries. Treatment for SCI involves initially immobilizing the injured vertebral column, medications to prevent secondary injury, and potential surgery to release pressure on the spinal cord and restore stability to the vertebral column. Postsurgical care is directed toward prevention and treatment of secondary complications of SCI such as respiratory failure, deep venous thrombosis, and decubitus ulcers. Advances in these areas are providing patients with a greater probability of recovery, a longer life, and a better quality of life. Research in the clinical and basic sciences is opening new avenues of hope for the spinal cord injury patient.
脊髓损伤（SCI）的主要原因是汽车碰撞，其次是暴力、跌倒和体育赛事中的损伤。患者最常见的是年轻男性。无论病因和年龄如何，SCI都是一种潜在的灾难性损伤。脊髓独特的解剖关系，即被包裹在骨性脊柱内的硬脊膜囊中，使其易受多种创伤性损伤。SCI分为完全性或不完全性，在每个相应标题下又有几个子类。不完全性损伤患者恢复到功能状态的可能性通常更好。SCI的治疗最初包括固定受伤的脊柱、使用药物预防继发性损伤，以及可能进行手术以减轻脊髓压力并恢复脊柱稳定性。术后护理旨在预防和治疗SCI的继发性并发症，如呼吸衰竭、深静脉血栓形成和褥疮。这些领域的进展为患者提供了更高的恢复概率、更长的寿命和更好的生活质量。临床和基础科学的研究为脊髓损伤患者开辟了新的希望之路。
