This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the global incidence and characteristics of spinal cord injury (SCI) from 2000 to 2021. The study analyzed 229 studies, revealing an overall SCI incidence rate of 23.77 per million people, with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) at 26.48 per million and non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) at 17.93 per million. TSCI incidence increased with age and was higher in community settings than in hospitals or databases. Males had a 3.2 times higher TSCI rate than females. TSCI incidence remained consistently high (20–45 per million), while NTSCI incidence increased since 2007, stabilizing at 25–35 per million. TSCI rates were higher in developing countries than in developed ones. TSCI and NTSCI showed differences in causes, severity, injury sites, and gender distribution, with males being more affected. Study quality, country type, and SCI type contributed to heterogeneity in the meta-analysis. The study highlights the high burden of SCI on healthcare systems and the need for targeted prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies. The findings emphasize the importance of global awareness and policy development for SCI prevention and management. The study also identified limitations, including language bias, diagnostic inconsistencies, and data sources primarily from hospitals. Despite these limitations, the study provides updated data on SCI incidence and characteristics, underscoring the need for further research to address the growing burden of SCI.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the global incidence and characteristics of spinal cord injury (SCI) from 2000 to 2021. The study analyzed 229 studies, revealing an overall SCI incidence rate of 23.77 per million people, with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) at 26.48 per million and non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) at 17.93 per million. TSCI incidence increased with age and was higher in community settings than in hospitals or databases. Males had a 3.2 times higher TSCI rate than females. TSCI incidence remained consistently high (20–45 per million), while NTSCI incidence increased since 2007, stabilizing at 25–35 per million. TSCI rates were higher in developing countries than in developed ones. TSCI and NTSCI showed differences in causes, severity, injury sites, and gender distribution, with males being more affected. Study quality, country type, and SCI type contributed to heterogeneity in the meta-analysis. The study highlights the high burden of SCI on healthcare systems and the need for targeted prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies. The findings emphasize the importance of global awareness and policy development for SCI prevention and management. The study also identified limitations, including language bias, diagnostic inconsistencies, and data sources primarily from hospitals. Despite these limitations, the study provides updated data on SCI incidence and characteristics, underscoring the need for further research to address the growing burden of SCI.