Spinal Injuries Due to Falls from Height

Abstract

Abstract Background: Traumatic spinal injuries (TSIs) due to falls from heights are characterized by unique injury mechanisms, morphological features, and severity. In this study, we conducted an analysis of the epidemiological, clinical, and radiological data of TSI patients caused by falls from heights. We compared these findings with those of patients injured by other mechanisms. Materials and Methods: During a five-year period (2015–2019), all patients with traumatic spinal injuries who received treatment at a tertiary-level trauma center were categorized into two groups: those injured by falls from height (group 1) and those injured by other modes (group 2). Their medical records were reviewed for analysis. Results: Falls from height (group 1) constituted the predominant cause of TSI, affecting 51.8% (1069/2065) of spine trauma patients. The average age in group 1 (44.45 ± 16.76) was significantly higher than in group 2 (42.33 ± 15.81) (P = 0.003). In group 1, the most common level of injury was the lumbar spine (48.6%, n = 520), whereas in group 2, it was the cervical spine (48%, n = 478). Multiple levels of injury were more common in group 1 than in group 2 (25.2% vs. 19.2%, P = 0.002). The most common type of spine injury was AO type B in group 1 (35.43%, n = 377) and AO type C in group 2 (32%, n = 319). Other associated organ system injuries were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (P < 0.05), except for pelvic injuries. Additionally, spinal injury-related complications were higher in group 2 (16.7%) than in group 1 (11.6%) (P = 0.001). The length of hospital stay was significantly higher in group 2 (9.71 ± 9.03 days) compared to group 1 (8.09 ± 7.26 days). Conclusion: Our study has revealed significant demographic and epidemiological variances in TSI caused by falls from heights compared to other injury mechanisms. This information is crucial in understanding the mechanism and injury pattern in TSI due to falls from height, as well as for formulating effective management strategies.