Effect of spinal cord injury on the respiratory system

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2003 Oct;82(10):803-14. doi: 10.1097/01.PHM.0000078184.08835.01.

Abstract

There are >200,000 persons living with a spinal cord injury in the United States, with approximately 10,000 new cases of traumatic injury per year. Advances in the care of these patients have significantly reduced acute and long-term mortality rates, although life expectancy remains decreased. This article will review the alterations in respiratory mechanics resulting from a spinal cord injury and will examine the contribution of respiratory complications to morbidity and mortality associated with various types of spinal cord injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diaphragm / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / etiology
  • Lung Volume Measurements
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Respiratory Mechanics / physiology*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / complications
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / mortality
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / physiopathology*