An expert consensus on the evaluation and treatment of acute thoracolumbar spine and spinal cord injury in China

Neural Regeneration Research, 2013 · DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.33.001 · Published: November 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Surgery Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This expert consensus provides guidelines for evaluating and treating thoracolumbar spinal injuries. It covers pre-hospital care, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and rehabilitation. The consensus aims to standardize practices and improve patient outcomes in China. The consensus was developed using Delphi methods, literature analysis, and clinical experiences. Recommendations are supported by multi-level evidence, with agreement levels assessed among panel members. The guideline emphasizes early management, including immobilization and safe transport, comprehensive assessment of injury, and timely intervention to prevent complications and promote functional recovery.

Study Duration

February 2009 to July 2010

Participants

Domestic experts including orthopedists, neurosurgeons, urologists, and rehabilitation physicians

Evidence Level

Expert consensus, literature analysis, and clinical experiences

Key Findings

1
The consensus addresses controversial points in acute thoracolumbar spine and spinal cord injury care through panel discussions.
2
It offers comprehensive and systematic recommendations covering international topics and disputes, with a Chinese perspective.
3
The consensus highlights the importance of preventing and treating major complications like voiding dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, and deep vein thrombosis.

Research Summary

This expert consensus provides 54 recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of thoracolumbar spinal injury, covering pre-hospital care, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and rehabilitation. The recommendations were developed based on Delphi methods, literature analysis, and clinical experiences, with agreement levels assessed among panel members. The results showed 10 moderate-level and 44 strong-level recommendations. The aim is to standardize evaluation and treatment strategies for acute thoracolumbar spine and spinal cord injury in China, promoting wide-scale adoption of these recommendations.

Practical Implications

Standardized Clinical Practice

The consensus provides a standard for managing acute spine and spinal cord injuries, potentially improving patient care and outcomes.

Informed Decision Making

The recommendations, supported by evidence and expert opinions, can guide clinical decision-making for healthcare professionals.

Improved Patient Outcomes

By promoting early intervention, comprehensive assessment, and prevention of complications, the consensus aims to enhance functional recovery and reintegration for patients.

Study Limitations

1
The consensus relies on expert opinions and literature analysis, which may be subject to biases.
2
The recommendations are specific to the Chinese healthcare context, limiting generalizability to other regions.
3
The evidence supporting some recommendations may be limited or of varying quality.

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