Traumatic Paraplegia

Definition/Description

Traumatic paraplegia is caused by a lesion of the spinal cord which of course occurs after a trauma like one of the vertebral bones or intervertebral disks can shatter, causing the spinal cord to be punctured by a sharp fragment of bone. It will lead to paralyzed parts of the lower extremity or even spasms of the lower limbs and dysfunction of the bladder, all under the place of the damaged part of the spine. The problem would lay with the cord which seems to show a dysfunctioning sending potentials through the limbs which could lead to the symptoms of this pathology.    

Physical Therapy Management

From the very beginning of this lesion all efforts should be concentrated on the rehabilitation of the patient. The most important points which have to be considered in the early stages or even immediate stage are: the prevention of pressure sores; the control of urinary infections, this is mainly the task of the doctors; the prevention of muscle tendon contractures of paralyzed limbs due to faulty position, such as keeping the legs constantly adducted, the hips and knee’s flexed, and the feet and toes in plantair flexion. These faulty positions can be prevented by physiotherapy treatment like strengthening and stretching of the muscles of the trunk and upper limbs which are very important to the patient cause of the problems with this parts of the body after the trauma. Also to prevent an ailment like scoliosis.     Like every injury complete immobilization should be prevented. It is shown that an intensive physical training program of 10 to 15 weeks could make the patient climb and go down 20 standard stairs and able to walk 100 meters indoors with crutches for example. It is highly recommended not to be independent of a wheel-chair and try to be mobile as much as possible.  Intense and regular therapy for spasticity, including physiotherapy, can delay and minimize the appearance of these complications named above. 

Epidemiology/ Etiology

The cause of paraplegia due to a spinal cord injury is mostly by a car accident. Also noted was due to a firearm injury, which isn’t the case in every country in the world of course. Traumatic paraplegia is most prominent among young men between the ages of 21 and 35 years. The more reckless way of driving of the younger population could be one of the reasons. This injury has a major effect on the social life of the patient, like divorce and loss of work for example. Therefore it might be important as a physiotherapist to talk against the patient about considering professional psychological help and also guide him through this step.