Severity of the neurological deficit of high spinal cord lesions assessed according to etiology

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a major health problem, having significant consequences on motor and sensory function, as well as on the quality of life of affected patients. The objective of this study is to assess the severity of high post-traumatic spinal cord injuries depending on the age and gender of the patients and the manner of their etiology. We used useful tools for evaluating and classifying the severity of spinal cord injuries: ASIA classification, MAS and MTS score. This is a retrospective observational study included a number of 146 patients with various high spinal cord injuries whose diagnosis was confirmed by imaging. The mean age of the cohort was 42.97 ± 15.9 years, with a range of 18 to 83 years. The severity of the ASIA score was inversely proportional to the age of the patients. Patients with ASIA A were younger than those with ASIA D. Regarding the etiology of the trauma, most patients, 39.7%, were traumatized following a road accident. The etiology of trauma has a significant influence on the severity of spinal cord injury. Accidents are the leading cause of injury, followed by falls and diving trauma. There is a correlation between the ASIA score and muscle tone/spasticity, which may influence the therapeutic approach and patient management.