Spinal cord injuries – 2,000 paralysed annually

by Carol Aloysius

Around 2,000 people get paralysed every year in Sri Lanka due to spinal cord injuries (SCIs), an eminent orthopaedic surgeon said on Thursday.

Sri Lanka Spinal Cord Network President and Orthopaedic surgeon, National Hospital, Dr. Narendra Pinto told a discussion at the Health Education Bureau on spinal cord injuries management and rehabilitation of patients that the number of victims of SCI was increasing daily due to the large number of vehicles on the roads.

“Around 1,500- 2,000 victims are admitted to the hospital every year and five to six patients daily, the majority being males between 20 to 50 years.”

He said road accidents and falls from roofs, scaffoldings, trees and buildings, were the main causes for SCI. “Road accidents are more common in urban areas. They surge during the festival months in April and December when people are in a holiday mood and drive under the influence of alcohol. Motorists should refrain from liquor when driving,” he said.

Many victims develop SCI as they were not transported to the hospital in the correct manner, he said, “Pre-hospital care is essential. Those injured must have proper support for their spine to minimise further injuries.

Most patients are brought in three wheelers. They should use the free ambulances which the National Hospital provides, as they are fully equipped with trained personnel, and can transport the victims safely to hospital avoiding further complications.” A Sri Lanka Spinal Cord Network (SLSCON) had been set up to streamline SCI patients’ care. “Launching the WHO recommendations based on International Perspectives of Spinal Cord Injury will be a special event at the third Annual Scientific Sessions of the SLSCON on September 18 and 19”, he said.