Spinal cord injury is a common occurrence in Zimbabwe and carries with it a high morbidity and mortality. In the past almost all patients discharged from hospital were dead within a year. Reasons for this high mortality are presented. The establishment of the National Rehabilitation Centre has had a profound impact on the survival of these individuals as well as on improving their quality of life. The results of a retrospective survey on the mortality and life situation of individuals with spinal cord injuries sustained through trauma are presented. However major unresolved problems are inadequate housing, lack of ®nancial support, practically no prospect of employment and depression compounded by boredom.
The provision of physiotherapy services to guest nations by the host nation, Zimbabwe, at the sixth All Africa Games is examined. There was a high rate of pre-existing injury. Ice, the Cryocuff, and ultrasound were the most frequently used tools, and should be made available to physiotherapists at all multisport events. It is recommended that collection of epidemiological data be standardised to allow comparison between events.
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