@article{ref1,
title="Improvement in initial survival of spinal injuries: a 10-year audit",
journal="Injury",
year="2005",
author="Tan, H. B. and Sloan, J. P. and Barlow, I. F.",
volume="36",
number="8",
pages="941-945",
abstract="A 10-year retrospective study of all spinal injuries presenting to the Leeds Teaching Hospitals between 1991 and 2001. The hospitals provide secondary care to a population of 750,000 and tertiary care to a population of 2-3 million. In total 1119 spinal injuries were studied. The overall survival rate was 89%. The commonest age group for presentation was 25-29 years with a secondary peak in the seventh decade, a mean overall of 43 years. 66% of injuries occurred in males. The commonest cause was a fall from a height (44%), with road traffic accidents (RTA) causing 43%. Pedestrians were most at risk within the road traffic group, making up 63% of cases. Isolated cervical spine injuries made up 37% of all cases. Cervical fractures were most associated with neurological injury (50%). Immediate survival has increased over the decade from 83% in 1991 to 93% in 2001. The probability of survival was significant at P = 0.006 and actual survival at P = 0.012 (Pearson correlation). The causal analysis has not been carried out but it is thought likely that improved quality of care is responsible.",
language="",
issn="0020-1383",
doi="10.1016/j.injury.2004.06.019",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2004.06.019"
}