Anaesthetic Management Of Patients With Acute Spinal Injury

Acute Spinal Injury (ASI) is relatively rare, presenting most frequently in young male adults. The commonest cause of spinal injury is road traffic accidents, followed by domestic, industrial and sporting injuries. Self-harm and assault count for less than 10% of the cases. A high index of suspicion of spinal injury and timely, safe intervention is important in multiple trauma patients and where the mechanism of injury is suggestive of ASI. The anaesthetist, in encountering these patients at several points in their hospital management, has an important role in optimal care of ASI. The choice of anaesthetic technique and intervention, together with the timing of intervention, must be carefully considered. The aim is to protect the spinal cord from further damage, avoid further disruption in alignment, and facilitate stability of the vertebral column to permit maximal neurological recovery and rehabilitation.