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## Spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is considered to be damage to the spinal cord that **results in a loss-of-function**; it usually **occurs due to trauma**, for example, a car accident, **or a medical condition**, such as Spina bifida.

- 46% of spinal cord injuries a result of Land Transport accidents

#### What's the risk?

While an SCI can happen to anyone, certain individuals are more prone

- **Men** - 80% of Spinal cord injuries occur in men
- **People between the ages of 18 to 35** years are more likely to sustain spinal injuries (usually from car or motorcycle accidents)
- **Athletes**, in particular gymnasts, divers and surfers are at increased risk.

The average age of a spinal cord injury is 42 years in men and 53 in women.

SCI imposes a large burden on the individual, their families and Carers in the economy as a result of the high-level and long-term disability and increased mortality risk.

Approximately 60% with SCI are wheelchair dependent and may require home modifications and specialised equipment

![spinal cord injury cost to care sapience financial](https://www.sapience.com.au/images/cost-to-care/spinal-cord-injury-cost-to-care-sapience-financial.svg)

![out of pocket costs spinal court injury sapience financial](https://www.sapience.com.au/images/cost-to-care/out-of-pocket-costs-spinal-court-injury-sapience-financial.svg)