Epidemiological features of traumatic spinal cord injury in Wuhan, China

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-023-03554-6 · Published: January 19, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Trauma Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study examines the characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) in Wuhan, China, between 2016 and 2021. It looks at factors like age, sex, causes of injury, and the severity of the spinal cord damage. The research found that most TSCI patients were male, and the most common causes were traffic accidents and falls. Farmers and workers were the most affected occupations. The study emphasizes the importance of preventive measures and rehabilitation for SCI patients. The study also notes that there is currently no national spinal cord injury registration system in Wuhan, which makes epidemiological studies at the current population level essential.

Study Duration

2016 to 2021

Participants

463 people diagnosed with a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The male-to-female ratio of TSCI patients was 3:1, with a mean age of 39.4 years. The 30–39-year age group had the largest percentage of injuries.
2
Traffic accidents were the primary cause of SCI (38.4%), followed by falls (low falls 24.0%, high falls 13.2%).
3
The most common injury site was the cervical spinal cord, followed by the thoracolumbar level. Urinary tract infection was the most common complication during hospitalization (15.6%), followed by pulmonary infection (14.0%).

Research Summary

This retrospective study analyzed the epidemiological features of traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) in Wuhan, China, from 2016 to 2021. Data were collected from Tongji Hospital, including patient demographics, injury etiology, and clinical outcomes. The study found that TSCI disproportionately affects males, with traffic accidents and falls being the leading causes. Workers and farmers are the most vulnerable occupational groups. A bimodal distribution of TSCI levels was observed, with peaks in the cervical and thoracolumbar regions. The study concludes that preventive strategies should be tailored to different types of TSCI patients, focusing on high-risk groups and injury mechanisms. It also highlights the importance of SCI rehabilitation and the need for a spinal cord injury registration system in Wuhan.

Practical Implications

Targeted Prevention Programs

Develop and implement prevention programs focused on young male adults in dangerous outdoor jobs to reduce traffic and occupational accidents.

Enhanced Safety Measures

Improve road safety by expanding roads, adding protective barriers, and enforcing traffic laws to minimize traffic-related TSCI.

Improved Rehabilitation Services

Strengthen SCI physiotherapy and rehabilitation services to improve patient outcomes and quality of life after injury.

Study Limitations

1
Hospital-based study may not represent all TSCI cases in Hubei Province.
2
Retrospective data collection resulted in some data loss.
3
Individuals who died at the scene or en route to the hospital were not included, potentially underestimating the prevalence rate.

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