The impact of the timing of spinal decompression on urinary and sexual function after acute spinal cord injury

Abstract Introduction While earlier decompression after spinal cord injury (SCI) is linked to better motor recovery, its impact on bladder and sexual function remains unexplored. Our objective was to determine if time to surgical decompression is associated with bladder and sexual function. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the prospectively collected Canadian Rick Hansen SCI Registry. Primary exposure was time to surgical decompression. Primary outcome was abnormal bladder function defined by use of catheters or any incontinence at 1‐year. Secondary outcomes were sexual function and motor score. Adjusted logarithmic regression models were used. Results One thousand thirty‐eight participants met inclusion criteria. Median time to surgical decompression was 25 (IQR17–50) hours, and 46% (475/1038) had early decompression (