Differences in clinical characteristics of cervical spine injuries in older adults by external causes: a multicenter study of 1512 cases

Scientific Reports, 2022 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19789-y · Published: September 5, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study examines cervical spine injuries in older adults, noting that falls are a major cause, especially ground-level falls. It compares injuries from different fall heights, finding that ground-level falls often result in poorer health outcomes. The research identifies factors like pre-existing conditions and frailty as key contributors to unfavorable outcomes after ground-level falls.

Study Duration

2010 to 2020

Participants

1512 patients ≥ 65 years of age with traumatic cervical spine injuries

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Ground-level falls are the most common cause of cervical spine injuries in older adults.
2
Patients injured from ground-level falls tend to have poorer pre-injury health conditions and higher rates of medical comorbidities and frailty.
3
Preexisting medical comorbidities and frailty are associated with unfavorable outcomes following ground-level falls, independent of age or severity of neurological impairment.

Research Summary

The study investigates cervical spine injuries in older adults, highlighting falls as the primary cause, particularly falls from ground level. Clinical characteristics and outcomes differ based on the height of the fall, with ground-level falls associated with poorer pre-injury health conditions. Factors such as pre-existing medical conditions and frailty significantly contribute to unfavorable outcomes following ground-level falls.

Practical Implications

Fall Prevention Programs

Implement multifaceted fall prevention programs tailored to older adults, addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors.

Geriatric Health Management

Improve the management of underlying comorbidities and frailty in older adults to reduce the incidence and severity of cervical spine injuries.

Treatment Strategies

Develop specific treatment and management strategies for older patients with cervical spine injuries due to minor trauma, considering their potentially poor pre-injury health.

Study Limitations

1
Retrospective design using a heterogeneous cohort without a control group
2
Difficult to compare treatment outcomes due to lack of standardized treatment approach
3
Survey conducted in Japan, which has a unique background with the world’s most advanced aging population

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