Abstract
In 1983, 28 Rohsai Hospitals in Japan cooperated to study 926 spinal cord injury (SCI) patients to reveal the problems of their rehabilitation. Fifty per cent complained of poor physical condition and were anxious about their health. In addition to complications rising from the SCI, the morbidities of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, hypertension and CVA were higher than the Japanese average. It was noted that 1) 44% of tetraplegic patients were confined to living in their home. 2) Ageing exerted a serious influence upon daily life. 3) Crutch gait for patients with paraplegia was not practical. It was also shown that utilisation of automobiles played an important role in extending social activities. For SCI patients, especially those with tetraplegia, it was very difficult to find employment. The rate of employment was only 30% in all and 46% of these were self-employed.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Nakajima A, Yoshida I, Mizuno M, Sakai M 1982 The follow up study of physical condition of rehabilitated paraplegics—On relation to crutch gait. The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 19: 75–81.
Jenik F, Kuhn W, Zack G A 1982 Social and vocational reintegration of paraplegic and tetraplegic patients in Switzerland. Paraplegia 20: 65–70.
Sutton R A, Bentley M, Castree B, Mattinson R, Pattinson J, Smith R 1982 Review of the social situation of paraplegic and tetraplegic patients rehabilitated in the Hexham regional spinal injury unit in the north of England over the past four years. Paraplegia 20: 71–79.
Lang H D, Durr W, Hoffmann J, Koeth R 1980 Post-clinical follow-up of spinal patients through domestic check-ups. Paraplegia 18: 140–144.
Bedbrock G M 1981 The care and management of spinal cord injuries. Springer Verlag, New York.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Nakajima, A., Honda, S. Physical and social condition of rehabilitated spinal cord injury patients in Japan: a long-term review. Spinal Cord 26, 165–176 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1988.27
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1988.27