Abstract
The estimated global incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) is 250,000 to 500,000 people a year. North America tends to have higher rates of incidence of SCI than Europe. Statistically, young adults and the elderly are more likely to be injured. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of SCI in the world, followed by falls, violence, sports, recreational activities, and iatrogenic sources. This chapter on spine trauma includes elements of anatomy and anaesthesia care for acute cervical spine cord injury (including airway management, blood pressure management, fluid management, hypothermia, monitoring, and steroids). It also covers anaesthesia care for chronic spinal cord injury (including autonomic dysreflexia, physiological changes in chronic SCI patients, and obstetrics).