Epidemiological age-based differences in traumatic spinal cord injury patients: A multicenter study based on 13,334 inpatients

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2025 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2024.2309716 · Published: January 26, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) affect people of different ages in China. It examines differences in who gets injured, the types of injuries, how they are treated, and the costs associated with their care. The study found that more elderly individuals are experiencing TSCI, and they often have different injury patterns and treatment approaches compared to younger patients. Older patients were less likely to undergo early surgery and more likely to receive high-dose steroids. Interestingly, despite the increased healthcare needs of elderly patients, the study found that their hospitalization costs were actually lower than those of younger patients. This suggests there are variations in resource allocation and treatment strategies based on age.

Study Duration

2013 to 2018

Participants

13,334 inpatients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The number and proportion of elderly TSCI patients are increasing in China.
2
Elderly patients are less likely to undergo early decompression surgery but more likely to receive high-dose methylprednisolone.
3
Elderly patients with acute TSCI have lower total and daily medical costs during hospitalization compared to younger patients.

Research Summary

This study investigated age-based differences among TSCI inpatients in China, focusing on demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment status, and economic burden. The study found that the number and proportion of elderly patients with TSCI are increasing, and there are significant differences in treatment approaches and medical costs based on age. The findings suggest the need for targeted prevention and precise treatment strategies for TSCI patients of different age groups, especially concerning early surgical intervention for elderly patients.

Practical Implications

Resource Allocation

The finding that elderly patients have lower hospitalization costs could inform decisions about the allocation of China’s national medical insurance fund.

Treatment Protocols

The study highlights the need to re-evaluate treatment protocols for elderly TSCI patients, particularly concerning the timing of surgical intervention.

Preventive Measures

Given that elderly patients are more prone to TSCI from low-energy injuries, targeted fall prevention programs are needed.

Study Limitations

1
The study is inpatient-based, potentially excluding data from patients who died before hospitalization or were not hospitalized.
2
Small sample size in the ≥85 years age group limits the generalizability of findings for this population.
3
The study primarily describes age-based differences without fully exploring the underlying causes and mechanisms.

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