Morbidity and mortality of traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries in a geriatric cohort

Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -), 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-022-03169-6 · Published: September 19, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Aging Surgery

Simple Explanation

This study reviews elderly patients with cervical spinal injuries who underwent surgery to improve treatment strategies. The study found that elderly patients with complete spinal cord injuries (SCIs) have worse outcomes compared to those with incomplete SCIs. The research suggests the need for better risk assessment tools for elderly patients with spinal injuries to optimize treatment decisions.

Study Duration

June 2016 to July 2020

Participants

42 elderly patients (≥ 65) with traumatic cervical spine injuries and spinal cord injuries (SCI)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Complete SCIs are associated with increased length of stay, postoperative complications, life-threatening complications, and 90-day mortality compared to incomplete SCIs.
2
Falls from standing were a common injury mechanism, especially in patients over 80 years old.
3
Patients admitted due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) were more likely to have complete SCIs.

Research Summary

The study analyzed data from a national tertiary referral center between 2016 and 2020, focusing on elderly patients (≥ 65 years) with traumatic cervical spine injuries and associated neurological deficits who underwent surgical intervention. The results indicated that patients with complete SCIs had significantly poorer outcomes, including longer hospital stays, more complications, and higher mortality rates, compared to those with incomplete SCIs. The authors conclude that there is a need for improved risk stratification tools to aid in decision-making regarding surgical intervention versus palliative care for geriatric patients with spinal injuries.

Practical Implications

Treatment Strategy Optimization

The study highlights the need to optimize treatment strategies for elderly patients with complete SCIs, considering the high risk of complications and mortality.

Resource Allocation

The findings suggest a need for increased resource allocation for elderly patients with complete SCIs due to their longer hospital stays and higher complication rates.

Risk Stratification Tool Development

The study emphasizes the importance of developing improved risk stratification tools for geriatric patients with spinal injuries to aid in making informed treatment decisions.

Study Limitations

1
Retrospective data collection from a single institution.
2
Potential for incomplete representation of all spinal injury patients.
3
Patient presentations in 2020 were affected by COVID-19 and social restrictions.

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