Morbidity after traumatic spinal injury in pediatric and adolescent sports-related trauma

J Neurosurg Spine, 2020 · DOI: 10.3171/2019.10.SPINE19712 · Published: May 1, 2020

Simple Explanation

This study looks at traumatic spinal injuries (TSIs) in children and teenagers caused by sports. It examines how common these injuries are, what activities cause them, and what the outcomes are for these patients. The study found that cycling and contact sports are the most common causes of TSIs in this age group. It also showed that these injuries can lead to longer hospital stays, the need for intensive care, and rehabilitation services. The researchers suggest that there is a need for better education and safety measures in sports, especially cycling and contact sports, to help prevent these serious injuries.

Study Duration

2011 to 2014

Participants

1723 cases of pediatric sports-related TSI

Evidence Level

Retrospective cohort analysis

Key Findings

1
TSIs represented 3.7% of all pediatric sports-related trauma cases in the study period.
2
Cycling accidents (47%) and contact sports (28%) were the most frequent causes of TSIs.
3
TSIs with SCI had an increased length of stay by 2.1 days and a higher need for ICU-level care.

Research Summary

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2011 to 2014 to profile the epidemiology and clinical risk of traumatic spinal injuries (TSIs) in pediatric sports injuries. The study found that TSIs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population, particularly when the spinal cord is involved, often requiring longer hospital stays, ICU care, and rehabilitation services. The authors conclude that there is a need for improved education and safety measures, especially in cycling and contact sports, to reduce the incidence of these injuries.

Practical Implications

Improved Safety Measures

Highlight the need for improved safety measures in cycling and contact sports to reduce the incidence of TSIs.

Educational Initiatives

Suggest the implementation of educational programs for young athletes and coaches to promote safer practices.

Policy Considerations

Inform future policy directions for governmental and nongovernmental organizations to optimize injury prevention.

Study Limitations

1
The study may be biased by not including cases of spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA).
2
The accessed database may underestimate mortality, as patients who did not survive long enough to reach the hospital are not included.
3
The gold-standard outcome of interest in TSI is long-term functional outcome, which is not captured by these data.

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