Associated injuries in patients with spinal injury.
The associated injuries found in 100 consecutive spinal injuries are described. Fifty-one of the patients had injuries of the cervical cord, 31 per cent complete. A total of 75 per cent of the patients had associated injuries, the commonest being a head injury. Chest injuries were the next most frequent. The management of these injuries in the presence of a severe spinal injury is described. The importance of early tracheostomy and prophylactic anticoagulant therapy is stressed in reducing the mortality to the order of 2 per cent. The value of spinal injury units is emphasized.
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D004322:Drainage; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D014140:Tracheotomy
D000925:Anticoagulants