Epidemiology of Traumatic and Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Korea: A Narrative Review

Korean J Neurotrauma, 2023 · DOI: 10.13004/kjnt.2023.19.e54 · Published: December 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

This review examines the rates and patterns of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in South Korea, distinguishing between those caused by trauma (TSCI) and those from other causes (NTSCI). It highlights a shift where NTSCI has become more prevalent than TSCI, especially among older adults. Men are more affected by both types of SCI, but the difference is more pronounced in TSCI cases. The study identifies falls and traffic accidents as major causes of TSCI, with falls being more common in older individuals. Cervical injuries are the most frequent type of TSCI. NTSCI often results in paraplegia, linked to conditions like degenerative disorders and tumors. Overall, the review underscores the growing concern of SCIs in South Korea, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions for management and prevention, particularly focusing on the elderly population.

Study Duration

2007 to 2020

Participants

South Korean population based on National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) data

Evidence Level

Review Article

Key Findings

1
The incidence of NTSCI has increased more rapidly than that of TSCI in South Korea between 2007 and 2020.
2
In 2007, TSCI was more common, but by 2020, NTSCI had surpassed TSCI, particularly in older individuals.
3
Falls and traffic accidents are the most common causes of TSCI, with falls being more prevalent in older adults.

Research Summary

This review summarizes the incidence rates and trends of traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries (NTSCI) in South Korea, noting that NTSCI has increased more rapidly than TSCI in recent years. The study highlights differences in incidence by sex and age, with men having a higher incidence of both TSCI and NTSCI, and both types of injuries being more common in older individuals. Falls and traffic accidents are identified as the most common causes of TSCI, while NTSCI is often associated with degenerative disorders and tumors. The review emphasizes the need for targeted interventions for the management and prevention of SCIs, especially in older age groups.

Practical Implications

Public Health Planning

The increasing incidence of NTSCI, especially in older adults, suggests a need for targeted public health programs focused on prevention and management of non-traumatic spinal cord injuries.

Clinical Practice

Clinicians should be aware of the changing epidemiology of SCI in South Korea, with a focus on the increasing prevalence of NTSCI and its association with degenerative disorders and tumors.

Research

Further research is needed to identify specific risk factors for NTSCI in the elderly and to develop effective interventions to reduce its incidence.

Study Limitations

1
The study is a narrative review and may be subject to bias.
2
The review is limited to data from South Korea, and the findings may not be generalizable to other populations.
3
The review relies on administrative data, which may be subject to coding errors and other inaccuracies.

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