Patterns and Clinical Characteristics of Traumatic Spine Fractures in Taif, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT

Background: Traumatic spine injury plays a major rule in morbidity and mortality worldwide and can result in severe and permanent disabilities which has a huge impact on patients and their families due to the change in quality of their lifestyle and the high cost of treatment is considered a burden on individuals and families as well as the health care system. Methodology: Data were acquired retrospectively from King Abdul-Aziz Specialist Hospital and King Faisal Medical Complex medical records within June 2014 and June 2018. Results: A total of 151 patients were identified with a mean age of 35.36 ± 16.20 and 78.1% were males. MVA caused 71.3% of the documented spine injuries with meals being significantly affected compared to females followed by fall down 23.3%. No significant relationship was found between the patients’ age and the mechanism of trauma. 21.2% had multiple fractured vertebrae along with multiple levels, while 28.5%, 27.2% and 23.2% had fractures in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions, respectively. 16.6% of patients sustained neurological deficits, 10% had a GCS less than 13 and 18.5% had multiple associated injuries followed by chest 10.5%, Pelvic 5.6%, Head 4.8% and facial 3.2% Injuries. 34.5% had a vertebral body fracture and 14.8% had a spinal cord injury. 72.5% were managed conservatively while 27.5% underwent surgery within a mean of 5.47 ± 7.24 days. 13.2% received steroid which significantly led to a longer hospital stay (14.55 ± 12.67 vs. 9.11 ± 12.51). Patients were hospitalized for 8.06 ± 10.05 days and 22.8% needed an ICU admission for 1.78 ± 6.05 days and those who had spinal cord contusion had a longer LOHS compared to other types of injuries. During the period of hospitalization, 5.29% experienced complications. Conclusion: MVA was the leading cause of traumatic spine injuries and their consequences on patients’ health irrespective of their age and nationalities which necessitate initiating prevention measures.