Epidemiological features of traumatic spinal cord injury in Beijing, China

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is a devastating condition associated with high mortality, disability, and treatment costs. Prevention is key due to the lack of breakthrough treatments. This study examines the epidemiological features of TSCI in Beijing to inform preventative measures. This study analyzed data from 590 patients with TSCI admitted to a rehabilitation center in Beijing between 2011 and 2019. The researchers looked at factors like age, sex, occupation, cause of injury, and the severity and location of the spinal cord injury. The study found significant changes in the characteristics of TSCI compared to data from 2002. The mean age of patients increased, and falls became a more common cause of injury, especially among older adults. Workers were also a high-risk group, with many injuries occurring at construction sites.

• 1
  The mean age of patients with TSCI was 46.3 ± 15.5 years, with a male/female ratio of 4.73:1, indicating a higher prevalence among males.
• 2
  Falls, particularly falls from heights and low falls, were the leading causes of TSCI, accounting for 30.8% and 25.1% of cases, respectively.
• 3
  A majority of patients (54.9%) had cervical spinal cord injuries, and most patients (91.9%) underwent surgical treatment.