There are approximately 12,500 spinal cord injuries in the US annually, with global incidence ranging from 133,000 to 226,000 cases annually. The cost associated with spinal cord injuries is substantial, with estimates of the average lifetime cost of direct care ranging from USD 1.5 to 4.7 million. Motor vehicles are the leading cause of injury, and are becoming an increasingly common cause in developing nations. The demographics of patients with spinal cord injuries have broadened with time, however, males still account for 80% of new patients with spinal cord injuries.