The Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Spinal Cord Injury Program provides individualized, comprehensive care to patients with spinal cord injuries and their families. This is a unique, carefully integrated transdisciplinary program. We address patients' physical recovery as well as their psychological health with the goal of helping them resume their lives with as much independence as possible.
Between 250,000 and 400,000 people in the United States have spinal cord injuries. Each year, about 11,000 people sustain some degree of paralysis as a result, including more than 200 new injuries in Wisconsin each year.
More than half of spinal cord injuries occur in people between the ages of 16 and 30, and the injuries are more prevalent in males than in females. Motor vehicle crashes are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries (accounting for almost 50 percent), followed by violence, falls and sports injuries.
The Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Spinal Cord Injury Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). This designation recognizes the program's adherence to strict requirements for institutions providing comprehensive rehabilitation services.
Our team of dedicated specialists includes neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, a recreational therapist, speech therapist, a vocational counselor, dietitians, a psychologist, a social worker and two case managers.