To evaluate respiratory function in cervical cord injury, we carried out the pulmonary function test and arterial blood gas analysis on 30 patients with cervical cord injury who were admitted to the Rehabilitation Center, Yonsei University Medical College from June 1986 to March 1990.

The results were as follows:

1) In the cervical cord injury group, vital capacity, expiratory reserve volume, and inspiratory capacity were 1.92 L, 0.31 L, and 1.59 L, which were 53.5%, 24.8%, and 65.2% respectively of the control group values (p<0.01). However, tidal volume was 0.65 L (86.7% of the control group) which indicates normal range.

2) Forced vital capcaity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and forced expiratory flow at 25 to 75% were 1.97 L, 1.72 L, and 2.05 L in the cervical cord injury group representing 52.8%, 54.8%, and 55.2% respectively of the control group values (p<0.01)

3) FEV₁/FVC was 86.2% and this means that the respiratory pattern was not obstructive but restrictive.

4) There was no significant difference in pulmonary function test between complete and incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).

5) In the arterial blood gas analysis, all results were within normal limits and there was no significant difference between complete and incomplete SCI.

6) There was no significant difference in arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function test between mid (C4, 5) and low cervical cord injury (C6, 7).