Management for traumatic injuries of cervical spine in Aleppo University Hospital

ABSTRACT

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