Epidemiology of the Spinal Cord and Cauda Equina Injury in Korea: Multicenter Study

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Multi-center study, questionnaire survey. OBJECTIVES: To offer a database of spinal cord injury (SCI) by reviewing statistics and literatures of other countries, investigating the overall mechanism, injury patterns and treatment of SCI. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW There are no preexisting domestic studies (collectively conducted by multi-centers) of the prevalence and treatment of SCI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2006 to August 2009, 47 cases of SCI in 6 universities were investigated retrospectively. 17 questionnaire contents including the courses of injury-to-treatment were studied with data gathered from surveys. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 48.4-years-old, male to female ratio was 33 to 14. The cases of falling from a height were 22 cases (47%), lumbar area 19 cases (40%), and unstable bursting fracture 24 cases (51%) the most. Complete and incomplete paralyses were 19 cases (40%) and 28 cases (60%), respectively. High dose steroids were injected in 16 cases (NASCIS II) and 9 cases (NASCIS III). 14 cases presented complications and operations were performed 46 cases (98%). 12 cases (26%) arrived at the hospital within 4 hours of injury, 11 cases (23%) in 8 hours. On the way to the hospital, proper emergency treatment was performed in 25 cases (53%), and 30 cases (64%) had a clear understanding of SCI after the final diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that offers a comprehensive database of spinal cord injury (SCI), by investigating the overall mechanism, injury patterns, and treatment of SCI; this study is expected to be used in the future as an important reference material for spinal cord injury statistics and a standard for care.