Change in the profile of traumatic spinal cord injury over 15 years in Spain

Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-018-0491-4 · Published: March 21, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Trauma Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study examines changes in traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the Canary Islands, Spain, over 15 years. It looks at the causes, patient characteristics, and how these have changed over time. The study found that while the overall number of SCI cases is decreasing, the average age of patients is increasing. Falls are becoming a more common cause of SCI, especially in older adults, while traffic accidents are decreasing. These changes require adjustments in how SCI patients are treated, including setting functional goals, planning for discharge, and focusing on preventing falls in older adults.

Study Duration

15 years

Participants

282 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Observational study with prospective monitoring

Key Findings

1
The crude incidence rate was 9.3 cases per million people/year.
2
The patients’ mean age increased from 38 years (2001–2005) to 48 years (2011–2015) (p < 0.05).
3
While traffic accidents decreased, falls increased, particularly in the elderly (p < 0.05).

Research Summary

This study analyzed traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the Canary Islands, Spain, between 2001 and 2015 to identify epidemiological changes. Data from 282 patients were examined to determine trends in incidence, patient demographics, and injury causes. The study found a decreasing incidence of traumatic SCI, coupled with an increasing average patient age. Falls became a more prominent cause of SCI, particularly among the elderly, while traffic accidents decreased. Cervical spine injuries were the most frequent, and incomplete tetraplegia was the most common neurological injury type. The authors conclude that the changing profile of traumatic SCI necessitates a reformulation of functional objectives, advance planning for patient discharge, and the promotion of fall prevention campaigns targeting older adults.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Objectives

Functional objectives should be reformulated to accommodate the needs of older patients.

Discharge Planning

Destination-upon-discharge needs to be planned in advance, considering the increasing number of patients requiring transfer to residences.

Prevention Campaigns

Campaigns should be designed to prevent spinal cord injury in older adults, focusing on falls.

Study Limitations

1
The study could not access patients who died before being admitted to the hospital.
2
Patients with injuries that were so mild that they were not transferred from other islands were not included.
3
Patients younger than 15 years of age were excluded from the study.

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