Epidemiology of Cervical Spine Injuries Requiring Surgical Treatment in Plovdiv and Plovdiv Region, Bulgaria

Korean J Neurotrauma, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.13004/kjnt.2024.20.e3 · Published: March 1, 2024

Simple Explanation

This study examines the frequency and characteristics of cervical spine injuries (CSI) requiring surgery in the Plovdiv metro region of Bulgaria. The research looks at factors like age, sex, injury type, and neurological deficits. The study found that a notable number of people in the region experience neurological problems due to neck injuries each year. A large number of these patients are over the age of 60. The study also highlights the need for ongoing research to better understand CSI, considering factors like geographical location and cultural differences, to improve treatment and prevention strategies.

Study Duration

January 2017 to December 2021

Participants

149 patients residing in the Plovdiv metro region with CSI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
65.1% of the 149 patients with CSI were surgically treated.
2
The frequency of operative interventions for CSI was 2.9/100,000 patients.
3
Annually, 10.6 people from the Plovdiv metro region suffer from neurological deficits as a result of neck injuries (1.6/100,000 residents).

Research Summary

This retrospective study analyzed data from 149 patients with cervical spine injuries (CSI) in the Plovdiv metro region of Bulgaria between 2017 and 2021. The study aimed to determine the epidemiology of CSI, the frequency of surgical treatment, and the incidence of associated neurological deficits. The study found that a significant number of patients with CSI required surgical intervention, particularly those over 60 years old. Neurological deficits were also a common occurrence. The researchers concluded that there is a notable frequency of neurological deficits requiring surgical treatment for CSI in the region, especially among older adults, highlighting the need for further research and preventative measures.

Practical Implications

Resource Allocation

The high rate of surgical intervention suggests a need for adequate resources and specialized medical personnel in the Plovdiv metro region to address CSI.

Preventative Measures

Given the prevalence of CSI in older adults due to falls, targeted prevention programs could reduce the incidence of these injuries.

Future Research

Long-term studies are needed to assess the long-term outcomes of CSI and the effectiveness of different treatment strategies.

Study Limitations

1
The study did not provide long-term follow-up data for hospitalized patients with CSI.
2
There is no detailed summary of the surgical approaches based on individual cases.
3
The study did not perform thorough statistical analysis to investigate the dynamics of the duration of hospital stay over the studied 5-year period.

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