Secondary health conditions in persons with spinal cord injury: a longitudinal study from one to five years post-discharge

OBJECTIVE: To assess the occurrence of secondary health conditions and their potential risk factors in persons with spinal cord injury from 1 to 5 years after discharge from initial inpatient rehabilitation.

DESIGN: Multicentre longitudinal study.

SUBJECTS: A total of 139 wheelchair-dependent persons with spinal cord injury.

METHODS: The occurrence of secondary health conditions and their potential risk factors were assessed in a clinical interview with a rehabilitation physician at 1 and 5 years after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and by a telephone interview 2 years after discharge. Self-report questionnaires were used for the assessment of musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain.

RESULTS: Neuropathic pain (83.7-92.1%), musculoskeletal pain (62.3-87.1%) and urinary tract infection (56.5-58.9%) were the most frequently reported secondary health conditions. The occurrence of several secondary health conditions was higher among women and individuals with a complete lesion, tetraplegia, and with a higher body mass index.

CONCLUSION: Secondary health conditions are common in the first years post-discharge following spinal cord injury, and their course seems to be relatively stable. These results emphasize the number of health issues that must be considered during post-injury care of persons with spinal cord injury living in the community, and the importance of a well-coordinated interdisciplinary approach from specialized rehabilitation centres.