Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of spinal rehabilitation services in Gauteng Province.
During the period November 2001 to March 2002 we sent a questionnaire to all hospitals under the control of the Gauteng Health Department. Identified individuals in each hospital completed the questionnaires. The results were analysed statistically.
A mean 153 patients were admitted every month. On average, traumatic penetrating injuries accounted for 64 patients, fractures for 52, infectious diseases for 14, tumours for eight, vascular compromise for one, miscellaneous causes for five and readmissions for nine. On average, four patients died after admission. The majority (61%) of readmissions were because of pressure sores. Every month a mean 24 patients were discharged.
Neurological levels were as follows: incomplete paraplegia 19%, complete paraplegia 45%, complete quadriplegia 19%, incomplete quadriplegia 17%.
The mean length of stay was 44 days. Traumatic penetrating injury called for a mean stay of 63 days, fracture 81 days, infectious diseases 56 days, tumours 49 days, vascular problems six days and other causes eight days. Only 53% of patients were admitted to a spinal unit, while 36% were treated in general wards and 11% were admitted to ‘rehabilitation beds’.
We believe that spinal rehabilitation needs to be recognised as a specialised field. More rehabilitation beds are needed. Referral routes to dedicated spinal units need to be improved and available facilities optimally used and distributed.
The abstracts were edited by Prof. M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical School, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193 South Africa
