Global, regional, and national burden of spinal cord injury from 1990 to 2021 and projections for 2050: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study.

OBJECTIVES

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to significant functional impairments and mortality, yet outdated epidemiological data hinder effective public health policies. This study utilizes the latest data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) to analyze SCI trends and inform prevention strategies.

METHODS

Using GBD 2021 data, we examined age-standardized incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) of SCI, along with trends, driving factors, age-sex-time patterns, and projections up to 2050.

RESULTS

In 2021, the burden of SCI, including incidence, prevalence, and YLDs, increased with age. However, both prevalence and YLDs exhibited a slight decline after peaking at age 70, with similar trends observed in both males and females. From 1990-2021, the global burden of SCI showed a gradual decline across all populations, including males and females, and it is projected to decrease further by 2050. Nevertheless, significant disparities in disease burden exist between different countries and regions; high-SDI areas experienced a gradual decline after reaching a peak, while low-SDI areas saw a gradual increase from low levels. The primary drivers of this change include population growth and aging, although epidemiological shifts have somewhat alleviated the burden of SCI. The research also indicates that males and older adults, particularly those aged 70 and above, bear the most severe burden of SCI, with falls, road injuries, and interpersonal violence being the leading causes of this condition.

CONCLUSIONS

While the global burden of SCI is decreasing, the complex distribution across demographics and regions necessitates targeted prevention and treatment strategies to further reduce the burden and improve patient outcomes.