National Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) Database

The National SCIMS Database has been in existence since 1973 and captures data from an estimated 6% of new SCI cases in the U.S. Since its inception, 29 federally funded SCI Model Systems have contributed data to the National SCIMS Database. As of March 12, 2021, the database contained information on 35,105 persons who sustained traumatic spinal cord injuries. To assure comparability of data acquired by personnel in various centers, rigid scientific criteria have been established for the collection, management and analysis of information entered into the database. National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center staff has also developed quality control procedures that further enhance the reliability and validity of the database.