[Traumatic paraplegia. Possibilities of therapy and rehabilitation in a modern treatment center].

After foundation of treatment centres for paraplegics using the concept of comprehensive care by Sir Ludwig Guttmann in 1943, the treatment goal includes the activation of the patient and the integration into society. This is achieved by the immediate admission for surgical treatment of the injured person into a specialized treatment centre which can guarantee all procedures of re-integration. This has to contain a comprehensive medical care including neurourological and physical therapy by using equipment and staff comparable to a hospital of maximum care. Simultaneously, all social and job related steps for integration have to be initiated. The concentration of all therapeutic options in one treatment centre moves the patient into the focus of interest and facilitates a cost-effective and quality oriented work for individual therapy concepts.