Frequency and Causes of Traumatic and Non-traumatic Spinal Injury Reported at Two Major Tertiary Care Hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Cureus, 2023 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33230 · Published: January 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results from damage to the vertebrae, surrounding tissue, or the spinal cord itself, causing changes to sensation, mobility, and bodily functions. Traumatic injuries like accidents or firearms and non-traumatic causes such as diseases can compress or injure the spinal cord, leading to significant disability and financial burden. This study aims to determine the types and causes of SCIs in two major hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan, and to document their distribution by gender.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

384 patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study found that 35% of patients experienced spinal disorders due to trauma, with falls (42%), road traffic accidents (29%), and weight lifting (21%) being the primary causes.
2
Non-traumatic causes accounted for 52% of cases, mainly due to congenital anomalies (24%), stenosis (23%), and tumors (12%).
3
Lumbar levels were the most commonly involved (42.3%), followed by multiple levels (32.52%) and L5-S1 (20.87%).

Research Summary

This study investigated the frequency and causes of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in two major hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan, distinguishing between traumatic and non-traumatic origins. Traumatic injuries, particularly falls and road traffic accidents, were identified as the leading causes of SCIs, while congenital abnormalities and spinal cord stenosis were more prevalent among non-traumatic cases. The findings highlight the need for public awareness and preventative measures to reduce the incidence of traumatic SCIs in the region.

Practical Implications

Public Awareness Campaigns

Implement targeted public health campaigns focusing on the prevention of traumatic injuries, such as safe driving practices, fall prevention strategies, and proper weight lifting techniques.

Hospital Preparedness

Prioritize the evaluation and treatment of both traumatic and non-traumatic spinal injuries in hospitals, ensuring adequate resources and trained personnel are available.

Further Research

Conduct additional studies to determine the incidence and prevalence of SCI in Pakistan and to assess the long-term outcomes and costs associated with these injuries.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in only two hospitals, limiting the generalizability of the findings to other regions.
2
Data were collected retrospectively, which may introduce bias due to incomplete records.
3
The sample size was limited to patients who were operated on, potentially excluding patients with less severe injuries or those managed non-surgically.

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