RESUMO
The study included 72 patients reviewed the Aleppo University Hospital between 1998-2004. The youngest patient was 10 years old, and the oldest was 60 years old, and the median age was 29.5 years. There was 54 males [75%] and 18 females [25%]. The radiologic procedures were plain X-ray to all of the patients, CT scan to only 39 patients and MRI to 8 patients only. The injuries divided into three groups: The pure fractures contained: 41 cases 30 males and 11 females. The pure dislocations contained: 23 cases. 17 males and 6 females The fractures-dislocations contained: 7 cases. 6 males and 1 female. And one [male] patient had oedema in the cervical spinal cord. The most cause of the injuries was road accidents [62.5%] then swimming accidents [16.6%]. In the pure fractures cases, the most injured levels was C5 [37.7%], then C6 [23.2%]. In the pure dislocation cases, the most injured levels was C5C6 [30%], then C6-C7 [23.2%]. The most age groups injured was 10-20 years [43%]. Types of injuries was: unstable 60 cases [83.3%] Stable 12 cases [16.7%]. The methods of treatment contained 3 ways: orthosis Traction [skin, skeletal traction]. Surgical treatment. The most common complications were: respiratory problems [38.5%], bed sores [26.4%], urinary infections [20.8%]. The mortality was 23 cases [3 1.9%]. The results of this study was approximately similar to the results of Dr.Ashkar [was also done in Aleppo University Hospital] between 1992-1996, and were compared also with other international studies. Finally we recommended: Improvement of the road states. Enforcement of the traffic laws. Supply the hospitals with equipments and operative rooms for spinal operations. Rehabilitation of the patients and improvement of life style