Spinal Cord Medicine
Steven Kirshblum, MD
Vernon W. Lin, MD, PhD
Defines the Current Standard of Care in Spinal Cord Medicine
Published reviews from previous editions:
“The definitive textbook written on the subject... well referenced and up to date and undoubtedly deserves a place in any rehabilitation library.”-World Federation for Neurorehabilitation
“The breadth, detail and inclusiveness of this text is impressive. Whichever aspect of spinal cord medicine one is faced with, this text will offer management advice and clinical information.”-Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
The fourth edition of Spinal Cord Medicine offers an updated, comprehensive reference for clinicians, researchers, and trainees seeking expert guidance in the care of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and related disorders. Edited by renowned specialists Dr. Steven Kirshblum and Dr. Vernon Lin, this edition reflects the latest advances in neurological classification, surgical techniques, rehabilitation strategies, and medical management.
With 48 chapters across seven sections, this new edition addresses the full continuum of spinal cord medicine—from acute care and surgical intervention to rehabilitation, psychosocial factors, and aging with SCI. Expanded coverage includes nontraumatic spinal cord disorders, advanced imaging, and evolving technologies that are transforming patient outcomes. Each chapter is authored by experts across disciplines, providing clinically relevant, evidence-based insights essential for everyday practice.
New to the Fourth Edition:
- Details on an updated system for neurological classification of SCI
- Expanded coverage of nontraumatic spinal cord disorders
- New chapter structuring streamlines content
- Enhanced insights on surgical interventions and outcome prediction
- Updated content on new medications and treatment paradigms
- Advanced technologies in imaging and rehabilitation
- Streamlined chapters to reduce duplication and enhance clarity
Key Features:
- Covers the full spectrum of spinal cord injury and disease
- Offers the most current clinical, medical, and rehabilitative knowledge
- Written by leading experts from diverse disciplines
- Reflects board certification standards in Spinal Cord Injury Medicine
- Richly illustrated with hundreds of figures and tables
- Emphasizes evidence-based, patient-centered care
- Ideal for specialists in SCI medicine, PM&R, neurology, neurosurgery, and therapy
Part I. Introduction
Chapter 1. History of Spinal Cord Medicine
Chapter 2. Development, Anatomy, and Function of the Spinal Cord
Chapter 3. Pathology of the Spinal Cord
Chapter 4. Epidemiology of Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 5. Neurological Assessment and Classification of Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 6. Imaging of the Spinal Cord
Chapter 7. Electrodiagnostic Evaluation of Spinal Cord Disorders
Part II. Acute Spinal Cord Injury Management and Surgical Considerations
Chapter 8. Prehospital Management of Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 9. Neurotrauma Management of Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 10. Surgical Management of Spinal Injuries
Chapter 11. Spinal Orthoses
Chapter 12. Predicting Outcomes Following Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 13. Functional Assessment in Spinal Cord Injury
Part III. Medical Management
Chapter 14. Autonomic and Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Disorders
Chapter 15. Respiratory and Sleep Disorders in Spinal Cord Dysfunction
Chapter 16. Endocrinology and Metabolism of Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 17. Bone Issues in SCI
Chapter 18. Urologic Management and Renal Disease in Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 19. Gastrointestinal Disorders in Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 20. Sexual Dysfunction and Infertility in Individuals With Spinal Cord Disorders
Part IV. Neurological and Musculoskeletal Care
Chapter 21. Pain Management in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 22. Overuse Injuries and Fractures in Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 23. Spasticity Management
Chapter 24. Surgical Restoration of the Hand in Tetraplegia: Tendon and Nerve Transfers
Chapter 25. Management of Pressure Injuries
Chapter 26. Dual Diagnosis: Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury
Chapter 27. Posttraumatic Syringomyelia and Spinal Cord Tethering
Part V. Non-Traumatic SCI
Chapter 28. Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathies
Chapter 29. Nontraumatic Myelopathies
Chapter 30. Tumors of the Spinal Cord and Spinal Canal
Chapter 31. Spondylotic and Myelopathic Myelopathies
Chapter 32. Multiple Sclerosis
Chapter 33. Motor Neuron Disease
Part VI. Spinal Cord Rehabilitation
Chapter 34. Spinal Cord Rehabilitation
Chapter 35. Advanced Mobility and Strategies to Promote Walking Function After Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 36. Home Modifications and Architectural Changes for Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Chapter 37. Prescription Of Wheelchairs And Seating Systems
Chapter 38. Vocational Rehabilitation for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 39. Sports and Recreation
Chapter 40. Driver Training After Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 41. Psychosocial Factors in Spinal Cord Injury
Part VII. System-Based Practice in Spinal Cord Medicine and Special Topics
Chapter 42. Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Chapter 43. Functional Electric Stimulation for Patients With Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 44. Therapeutic Exercise After Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 45. Women’s Health Challenges After Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders
Chapter 46. Spinal Cord Injury and Aging
Chapter 47. Spine Complications in Patients With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
Chapter 48. Clinical Trials for Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury
- Release Date: November 28, 2025
- Paperback / softback
- 1084 Pages
- Trim Size: 8.5in x 11in
- Number of Illustrations: 75
- ISBN: 9780826139481
- eBook ISBN: 9780826139498
