Multi-level random coefficient analyses revealed
that complications were common following spinal cord injury.
Most subjects reported neurogenic and musculoskeletal
pain, or had spasticity at each assessment. During the year
after discharge, complications remained common: urinary
tract infections and pressure sores affected 49% and 36% of
the population, respectively. The degree of pain decreased,
whereas the degree of spasticity increased significantly during
inpatient rehabilitation. Overall, increased age, increased
body mass index, traumatic lesion, tetraplegia, and complete
lesion all increased the risk of complications.