EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF TRAUMATIC SPINAL CORD INJURY CAUSED BY OBJECT STRIKE IN CHINA: STRATEGIES FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT

Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v56.40880 · Published: November 12, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Occupational Health Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study investigates spinal cord injuries caused by being struck by an object, analyzing data from 435 cases between 2013 and 2022. The study looked at factors like gender, age, injury level, surgery, and occupation. The research found that most affected were males, particularly those aged 30-44, who often experienced complete spinal cord injuries. Predominant occupations included workers and farmers. The study concludes that young to middle-aged men in manual labor are most at risk. It suggests focusing on workplace safety education in areas like construction sites and mines to prevent these injuries.

Study Duration

10 Years

Participants

435 cases of strike-induced spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The male-to-female ratio among those with strike-induced spinal cord injuries was notably high at 11.8:1.
2
Individuals aged 30–44 years were more prone to suffering complete spinal cord injuries, accounting for 70.5% of such cases.
3
Manual labourers are usually injured in the workplace (89.4%) with a high surgical rate (95.3%).

Research Summary

This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) caused by object strikes in China, analyzing data from 435 patients admitted between 2012 and 2022. The findings revealed a high male-to-female ratio (11.8:1), with the 30–44 age group being more susceptible to complete spinal cord injuries. Labourers and farmers were the most affected occupations. The study concludes that young to middle-aged males in manual labor are the primary demographic for strike-induced TSCI and emphasizes the need for improved workplace safety education.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Workplace Safety Education

Prioritize safety education, especially in construction and mining, targeting young and middle-aged male laborers.

Expanded Insurance Coverage

Increase work-related injury insurance coverage for high-risk occupations, particularly for migrant workers and farmers.

Improved Rehabilitation Measures

Advance rehabilitation programs, integrating robotic movement training, to optimize recovery outcomes for SCI patients, particularly those with complete injuries.

Study Limitations

1
Sample is concentrated in 1 hospital and cannot represent all patients with spinal cord injury.
2
Patient information such as occupation and place of injury was recorded manually by researchers and may be inaccurate.
3
Confounders are likely to be part of our results considering the choice of methods itself.

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