The Impact of Surgical Timing in Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

The optimal surgical timing following a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) remains controversial although some studies suggest improved neurological recovery with early surgery. Consequently, there is wide variability in clinical practice and institutional guidelines regarding optimal surgical timing after a SCI. Our study will help guide clinicians in their practice and health administrators in the distribution of resources, by determining the optimal surgical delay after a traumatic spinal cord injury. The global objective of our study is to determine the impact of surgical delay on costs, length of stay, complications, and outcomes (neurological recovery, functional status and quality of life) in patients with a traumatic SCI. For the first reporting period, we have completed recruitment of traumatic spinal cord injured patients and continued with the 6-month, 1-year and 2-year follow-ups. Data collection is nearly completed (95%) and will be finished by the beginning of 2015.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2014
Accession Number
ADA616139

Entities

People

  • Cynthia Thompson
  • Jean-Marc Mac-Thiong

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Data Analysis
  • Electronic Mail
  • Health Services
  • Hospitalizations
  • Management Personnel
  • Medical Personnel
  • Organizational Structure
  • Patent Applications
  • Personnel Management
  • Professional Development
  • Quality Of Life
  • Recovery
  • Spinal Cord
  • Spinal Injuries
  • Technology Transfer

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.