A systematic review in Spinal Cord of 27 studies (1943–2022) shows the typical spinal cord injury (SCI) patient is now 45–65 years old—up from about 29 in the late 1970s—with the average age increasing by about six months per year. The review provides a long-term view of changing SCI demographics, causes, and injury severity worldwide.
Fall-related injuries have increased and now often exceed motor vehicle collisions, which were the leading cause of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) for decades. Additionally, injuries are becoming less severe. Incomplete injuries (AIS D)—especially incomplete tetraplegia—are now more common, while complete SCIs (AIS A) have declined across most regions.
With SCI increasingly affecting older adults, the authors emphasize that hospitals and rehabilitation services should prepare for more complex medical needs, longer recoveries, and expanded long‑term support.
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