Epidemiological study of cervical spine injury

Abstract

Background:The main purpose of this study is to provide an overview of demography, neurological level of injury, completeness of injury, incidence, prevalence, delay in the presentation of spinal injury patients to the specialized spinal trauma units, injury mechanisms as well as lethality and causes of death associated with traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries and to suggest steps to improve the quality of care of the cervical spinal trauma patients in the Indian setup. Hence, the main objective of the study is to observe the socio demographic profile, injury pattern, mechanisms, lethality and causes of death associated with cervical spinal cord injuries

Methods: This is a retrospective Study of 70 cases of colorectal carcinoma analysing incidence, clinicopathological features and outcome after different therapies including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Results:Mean age of our sample is 35 ± 15 years, There were 11 females (14.66%) and 64 males (85.33%), Education and socio-economic status 70% of the sample belonged to the most vulnerable lower socio-economic group. Majority 45 (60%) had fall from height and RTA 30(40%) as the cause of injury. Only 53 (70.66%) received ambulance for transport, leading to a delay in admission in 22 (29.33%) cases. Most of the injured presented with neurologically incomplete picture 65 (61.33%), ratio of incomplete and complete injuries being 6.5:1. 43 (57.33%) cases was of cervical segments 5 and 6. out of 75 patient 60(80%) patient managed conservatively and 15(20%) were operated. 27(36%) patients were improved, 14(18.6%) were died and 34 (45.3%) not-improved by treatment given to all 75 patient. Mortality-13.33% in operated patients and 20% in conservatively managed patients. Mortality was 40% in complete neurological injury and 10% in incomplete injury. Mortality was highest in C4 level injury 27% and lowest 0% in C7 injury.

Conclusions:out of total 75 patients- 27(36%) patients were improved, 14(18.6%) were died and 34 (45.3%) not-improved by treatment. Mortality was 40% in complete neurological injury and 10% in incomplete injury. This study evaluated the demographic variables of cervical spine injury for better understanding of impact that it has and further for better allocation of our health resources, distribution and planning.