Citation

Aleissa S, AlAssiri SS, AlJehani RM, Konbaz FM, AlSalman MJ, Abaalkhail M, AlShehri MH, Alfaris I, Alghnam SA. Ann. Saudi Med. 2019; 39(1): 8-12.

Affiliation

Dr. Suhail Saad AlAssiri, Department of Orthopedic Surgery,, National Guard Hospital,, King Abdulaziz Medical City,, Riyadh 11662, Saudi Arabia, T: +9966563456700, suhailasiri@ gmail.com, ORCID: http://orcid. org/0000-0001-7119-1201.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre)

DOI

10.5144/0256-4947.2019.8

PMID

30712045

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A traumatic spinal fracture (TSF) is a serious condition that has a tremendous impact on patients and their families. Understanding the causes and patterns of TSF is critical in developing prevention programs.

OBJECTIVES: Identify causes and patterns of TSF and explore predictors of neurological disability in Saudi Arabia.

DESIGN: A retrospective medical record review. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center in Riyadh.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The analysis included all consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria for any acute TSF in patients 18 years of age and older from January 2001 to January 2016. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of neurological disability following TSF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Neurological disability in patients sustaining TSF. SAMPLE SIZE: 1128 patients.

RESULTS: Of 1128 patients, 971 patients (86%) were male with a mean (SD) age 34.4 (16.6) years. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accidents (88.4%). Cervical spine was the most commonly affected region (48%, n=468) with a mortality rate of 7.6%. Neurological disability occurred in 74 (6.7%) patients, and 41 (8.7%) of those with cervical fractures died in the hospital. The Injury Severity Score was a significant predictor of neurological disability following TSF.

CONCLUSION: A high proportion of neurological disability following TSF was found. Further studies should attempt to improve the docu.mentation rate of seatbelt status in all traumatic cases including mild injuries. This data will increase our understanding of adult TSF and possibly facilitate injury prevention strategies. LIMITATIONS: Single hospital and may not be generalizable. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Language: en