Abstract: Objective To compare the characteristics of traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods 226 patientswere reviewed. Results 73.4% of patients were traumatic SCI, who aged (33.96± 12.18) years, younger than non-traumatic (43.98± 11.4)years; 65.4% were complete injury, more than non-traumatic 38.7%; stayed in hospital for (189.74±157.88) d, longer than non-traumatic(142.53±85.72) d; spent (55270.39±47967.59) yuan, more than non-traumatic (40838.94±34786.85) yuan. The score of activities of daily livingwhen discharged (ADL2) was (54.25±24.16), poorer than non-traumatic (74.88±25.61). Conclusion Trauma is the major cause of SCI.The patients with traumatic SCI were younger, stayed in hosptital for longer time, spent more for hospitalization, and with poor ADL2.

Key words: spinal cord injury, traumatic, non-traumatic