Who is most at risk of spinal cord injury because of preexisting degenerative disorders?

Elderly people are most at risk from minor trauma that results in serious spinal cord injury because of preexisting degenerative vertebral disorders. Males are more prone to spinal cord injuries than females but not as a result of preexisting disorder. This may be related to an increased involvement in contact sports or a propensity to participate in high risk activities. Neither females nor infants are at any particular risk for spinal cord injuries.