Spinal cord injury|[mdash]|A cost benefit analysis of alternative treatment modals

This paper has presented a preliminary estimate of the benefits of a ‘systems’ approach to the treatment of spinal cord injury. The preliminary cost-benefit ratio exceeds six. For a variety of reasons, this is probably a severe underestimate of the benefits because possible reductions in medical and attendant costs after discharge have not been included nor have any potential increase in earnings. In addition, the definition of ‘system’ and ‘non-system’ patients also tends to underestimate the benefits.