title: [Spinal cord trauma: epidemiology and pre-hospital management].
abstract: In France, about 2000 people suffer spinal cord injuries each year. Most patients are young men involved in road accidents and most have cervical lesions. Emergency pre-hospital care is crucial, as the lesions are potentially life-threatening and can have devastating functional consequences. The possibility of spinal cord trauma must always be kept in mind, and the spine must be immobilized. The initial neurological examination is extremely important. Initial medical care should target an average systolic blood pressure above 80 mmHg, ensure adequate ventilation, maintain the body temperature over 36 degrees C, and control hyperglycemia. The patient should be transported rapidly to a specialized spinal trauma unit.
authors.affiliation: Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpétriere, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75651 Paris cedex 13.
authors.forename: Gérard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Saillant
authors.forename: Hugues
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pascal-Moussellard
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Langeron
authors.forename: Jean Yves
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Lazennec
mesh_terms: D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*