Road crashes and other transport-related accidents remain the
most frequent cause of spinal cord injury in Australia-and young
men aged 15 to 24 are most at risk, according to a report released
today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The report, Spinal Cord Injury, Australia, 1999-00,
presents national statistics on new cases of spinal cord injury
from traumatic causes.
It shows that transport-related injuries accounted for half of
the 261 new cases of spinal cord injury (SCI) during 1999-00. Of
these, 82 were motor vehicle occupants, and 49 were unprotected
road users (predominately motorcyclists).
Vehicle roll-overs were among the most common causes of SCI from
motor vehicle crashes (30 cases out of 82). Collisions with a
roadside hazard (such as a tree or pole), accounted for 13 cases, 6
occurred when thrown from a vehicle, and the remainder were the
result of various other types of road collisions.
Males accounted for 81% of all spinal injury cases, with the
highest incidence rates occurring in the 15-24 year age group.
Report author Peter O'Connor, from the AIHW's National Injury
Surveillance Unit at Flinders University, said these statistics
were vital for research into the prevention and treatment of a
problem that's estimated to cost the Australian community $200
million a year.
'The spinal injury register, established with State spinal
units, is the only national register of its kind in the world,' Mr
O'Connor said.
Other findings in the report include:
- Falls from high places were responsible for 47 cases of SCI.
Low falls (from less than one metre) accounted for 25 cases-44% of
these occurred in elderly people aged 75 years or older.
- 13 cases of spinal cord injury from diving accidents were
reported-five occurred in the surf, two in swimming pools, four in
rivers or off piers, and two were unspecified.
- 51% of all spinal cord injury cases resulted in complete
traplegia (loss of function in the arms, legs, trunk and pelvic
organs).
- 17% of all spinal cord injury cases resulted from work-related
causes.
17 April 2002
Further information: Mr Peter O'Connor, AIHW National Injury
Surveillance Unit,
tel. 08 8374 0970
For media copies of the report: Publications Officer, AIHW, tel 02
6244 1032
Availability: Check the AIHW Publications
Catalogue for details.