Introduction
This page provides content for clinicians regarding Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Spinal Trauma.
Practice Guidelines
NICE Guidelines
This is a link to the NICE Guideline (NG41) – Spinal injury: assessment and initial management.
MASCIP Guidelines
Here is a link to the Multidisciplinary Association for Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (MASCIP) best practice guidelines for a number of topics in relation to the care of people with SCI.
External Links
CC3N Competencies
The Critical Care Networks National Nurse Leads (CC3N) have developed a National Competency Framework for Critical Care Nurses which has specific reference to Spinal Care (Page 12). Available through the following link:-
National Major Trauma Nursing Group
To be included once link becomes available
Education Videos
This film introduction to the spine and spinal cord injuries talks through anatomy and general terminology, understanding the pathology behind spinal disease, the mechanism of injury, a clinical assessment of the spine, and the management of a spinal injury.
This film spinal trauma and spinal fractures provides an overview of the three classification systems used in spinal fractures. Information on potential management options are discussed, alongside physiotherapy management and the potential use of orthotics.
This film is by Dr David Abrutat who sustained a SCI in March 2000. Here David talks through his story of rehab and also coming back for Spinal surgery in 2020 following a new fracture. David offers advice for all clinicians who deal with similar patients to himself.