Early Outcome Assessment of Traumatic Spine Injuries: An Observational Study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the epidemiology, clinical features and early outcome in traumatic spine injuries at a tertiary hospital.

Material & methods: The present study was single-center, prospective, observational study, conducted in Department of Orthopaedics for the period of 1 year. 100 patients were included in the study.

Results: Among a sample of 100 patients, the majority fell between the age range of 51-60 (32%) and 41-50 (30%). The average age was 56.59 years. The patient population consisted of 70% males and 30% females. The current research reveals that the primary cause of traumatic spine injuries was road traffic accidents, accounting for 52% of cases. This was followed by falls from height, which accounted for 45% of cases, and assault, which accounted for 3%. The prevalence of spine fractures was found to be highest at the cervical level (40%), followed by the lumbar level (30%) and the thoracic level (20%).  

Conclusion: Patient complications were greater in non-operative patients. Respiratory failure caused most cervical fatalities, whereas secondary consequences of long-standing bed sores caused most thoracic and lumbar deaths.

Keywords: Traumatic Spine Injury, Road Traffic Accidents, Cervical Vertebral Level, ASIA Score.