Quadriplegia and Paraplegia Information and Infographic
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2013/05/17 - Updated: 2024/05/02
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disability Information - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Infographic contains information regarding the difference between Quadriplegia and Paraplegia including vertebra and spinal functions. Paraplegia is an impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities. The extent of the paralysis depends on the level of the spinal cord at which the damage occurs. When both legs and arms are affected, the condition is called Quadriplegia.
Introduction
SCI Facts:
Main Item
Paraplegia - Paralysis from the waist down.
Quadriplegia - Paralysis from the shoulders down.
Complete Injuries - Result in the total loss of sensation and function below he injury level.
Incomplete Injuries - Result in partial loss of sensation and function below the injury level.
- There are 32 injuries per million population or 7800 injuries in the US yearly.
- An estimated additional 20 cases per million (4860 per year) die before reaching the hospital.
- 89.3% of all persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) who are discharged from the system are sent to private, non-institutional residence.
- 6.6% are discharged to nursing home.
- The rest are discharged to hospitals, group living situations and other destinations.
- Only 0.9% of Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) fully recover.
- Average yearly expense for spinal cord injuries can range from $228,566 to $775,576 in the first year.
- Estimated lifetime costs due to spinal cord injury can range from $681,843 to over $3 million for a 25 year old.
- Only 52% of SCI individuals are covered by private health insurance at the time of injury.
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Infographic provides information on paraplegia and quadriplegia including statistics.
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Causes of Paraplegia and Quadriplegia
- 48% motor vehicles
- 21% falls
- 15% violence
- 14% sports (66% which are diving related)
- 2% others
Race and Ethnicity
- 66% of those injured are Caucasian
- 26.2% are African American
- 2.1% are Asian
- 0.9% are Native American
Age and Gender Statistics
- 82% of those injured are male
- 18% are female
- Highest per capita rate of injuries occurs between the ages of 16-30
- Average age at injury is 33.4
- Median age at injury 26
- Mode age at injury 19
- Falls overtake leading cause after the age of 45
Marital Status at Injury
- 53% single
- 31% married
- 9% divorced
- 7% other
Employment Status
- 58.8% employed
- 41.2% unemployed (includes students, retirees and homemakers)
- After 8 years 34.4% of paraplegics and 24.3% of quadriplegics were still employed
Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.