Patients with a recent traumatic spinal cord lesion admitted consecutively to Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital during the five-year period from 1987 to 1991 were included in a study of bladder function, including results of urodynamic investigation and urological complications, both during primary rehabilitation and on average five years (two to nine years) after injury. Indication for urodynamic investigation was found in 125 out of 170 patients. The study shows that micturition is a major problem after spinal cord injury, and that the follow-up programme after the rehabilitation period should be improved. General practitioners should be aware of these problems. Close cooperation between the rehabilitation department and the primary health service is needed to avoid renal and urinary complications in these patients.