Clinical Analysis of Lower Cervical Spine-Injuried Patients

ABSTRACT

The authors analyzed 32 cases with lower cervical spine injuries according to their etiologies, the findings of cervical spine X-ray and computed tomography, initial neurological grading scales and time of operation. The results are summarized as follow 1) Lower cervical spine injuries occurred in 32 of the 49 cervical spine injuried patients. 2) The important factors affecting on outcome were the initial neurological state(p=0.038) and the degree of spinal canal narrowing on cervical computed tomogram(p=0.046). 3) The degree of prevertebral soft tissue swelling and displacement of vertebral body on initial cervical spine X-ray did not significantly affect on outcome(p=0.052). 4) The most suitable operative time for lower cervical spine injuries was 10-20 days after injuries, and the mortality was 9.3%.