Epidemiological characteristics of 1,806 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury: A retrospective study

Frontiers in Surgery, 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.988853 · Published: January 6, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Surgery Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the epidemiological characteristics of 1,806 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). It also compares characteristics of patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (TCSCI) caused by cervical fracture/dislocation and disc herniation/bulging. The researchers reviewed hospital records, noting details like gender, age, injury level, cause, ASIA grade, combined injuries, complications, treatment, and length of hospital stay. The study found that men, married individuals, manual laborers, and those aged 31–75 years were at the highest risk of TSCI. Patients with TCSCI had shorter hospital stays. Non-CSCI patients' other injuries and complications prolonged hospitalization.

Study Duration

2012 to 2020

Participants

1,806 TSCI patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Men, married individuals, manual laborers, and individuals aged 31–75 years had the highest risk of TSCI.
2
Patients with TCSCI tended to have a shorter length of hospital stay than patients with non-CSCI.
3
Compared to patients with cervical disc herniation, the patients with fracture/dislocation tended to be younger, but prognosis was severely compromised by tetraplegia, a greater need for intubation/tracheostomy, additional injuries, and complications.

Research Summary

This retrospective study examined the epidemiological data of 1,806 TSCI patients admitted between 2012 and 2020, comparing TCSCI and non-CSCI cases, and analyzing TCSCI caused by cervical fracture/dislocation versus disc herniation/bulging. The results indicated that CSCI was the most common injury, and TCSCI patients were generally older, more likely to suffer from tetraplegia and require intubation/tracheostomy, but had fewer other injuries or complications and a shorter hospital stay compared to non-CSCI patients. Patients with cervical fracture/dislocation were younger but had a more compromised prognosis due to tetraplegia, intubation/tracheostomy needs, and additional injuries and complications compared to those with cervical disc herniation/bulging.

Practical Implications

Targeted Prevention

Focus prevention efforts on high-risk groups: men, married individuals, manual laborers, and those aged 31–75.

Optimized Treatment

Pay more attention to the other injuries and complications of non-CSCI patients to reduce hospital stay and improve rehabilitation.

Tailored Rehabilitation

For TCSCI caused by cervical disc herniation/bulging, prioritize early surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation for better outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
Data only from one hospital
2
Did not include TSCI patients from other affiliated hospitals
3
Findings are limited to the current status of diagnosis and treatment of TSCI patients in our hospital.

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