Vertebral fracture secondary to suicide attempt: demographics and patient outcome in a Scottish spinal rehabilitation unit

This study examines individuals admitted to a Scottish spinal rehabilitation unit due to injuries from deliberate self-harm (DSH), focusing on the circumstances, mental health, and rehabilitation outcomes. The research reveals that falls are the primary cause of spinal fractures in this group, and a significant number of patients have pre-existing or newly diagnosed mental health issues and substance abuse problems. Despite these challenges, the immediate rehabilitation outcomes for individuals who self-harmed are similar to those injured by other means, although those with fractures but no neurological impairment had longer hospital stays.

• 1
  Falls are the primary cause of spinal column fracture in the DSH group, with most falls occurring in residential settings.
• 2
  A high percentage of patients admitted after DSH have mental health and substance abuse problems, necessitating formal mental health assessment and follow-up.
• 3
  DSH as a mechanism for injury significantly impacts the length of stay (LOS) only for patients with vertebral fracture but without spinal cord injury (SCI).