Epidemiology of traumatic spinal fractures in patients aged 50 years or less at a center in Saudi Arabia from 2005 to 2016

Abstract

Background: We retrospectively reviewed traumatic spinal fractures (TSFs), including their mechanisms of injury and associated injuries in patients aged ≤50 years admitted to our center over a period of 11 years. Our secondary objective was to investigate whether spine injuries have decreased since the introduction of new transportation-related legislation applications. Methods: Between 2005 and 2016, all patients admitted to the hospital due to TSFs, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal fractures, who were aged ≤50 years were included in this study. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, hospital stay duration, treatment, complications, and mortalities were reviewed and analyzed. Results: Altogether, 373 patients (81% male; 19% female; median age, 28 years) were included in the study, and 579 spinal fractures were identified. The lumbar spine was the most affected part. The most common injury mechanism was motor vehicle accidents (MVA) (69.7%), followed by falls (26.8%). Neurological injuries were detected in 9.4% of patients. Associated injuries were observed in 45.3% of patients, and 33.6% of patients were surgically treated. Thoracic injuries and lower limb fractures were the most common injuries, and the postoperative complication rate was 3.9%. Conclusions: Although there was a significant decrease in TSFs after the speed control legislation over the study period, MVA and falls remained the most common causes of spinal injuries. Associated injuries, operated patients, and female sex were all associated with a prolonged hospital stay.