Paraplegics--causes and effects
Tan, E.S.; Balachandran, N.
Singapore Medical Journal 23(4): 232-235
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-5675 PMID: 7178908 Document Number: 191687
Patients (292) admitted to the Spinal Injuries Unit, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital [Singapore], between 1973-1980 were analyzed. Of them, 34.93% (102) were due to road traffic accidents, 34.93% (102) were from industrial accidents and 21.09% (62) were caused by home accidents. There were more cervical injuries in Singapore than in places like USA and Australia. In this survey 138 were cervical injuries, 22 thoracic injuries, 95 thoraco-lumbar (T10-L1) injuries and 37 lumbar injuries. After varying periods of treatment and rehabilitation in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine only 11.3% (33 cases) were totally dependent in selfcare activities and mobility, and the rest were independent in such activities with or without aids or appliances.