Epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injuries at a tertiary care centre: A prospective observational study

Spinal injuries, the prevalence of which is reported to be 0.15 per million in India, constitute a major burden on the health care system as they pose a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, there is a significant financial burden on the patient and their families, as well as on the health care system of the state to provide for their treatment and rehabilitation. Thus, the epidemiology of TSCI patients must be studied to formulate preventive steps, identify and improve management and rehabilitation services. This was a prospective observational study carried out in a tertiary care center of state of Haryana, in the northern part of India. The study included all the patients of spine injury reporting to the Department of Orthopaedics from June 2021 to May 2022. Patients with non-traumatic spinal cord issues and neurological deficits were excluded from the study. The study involved 212 patients with traumatic spine injuries with a mean age of 36.94 years. Nearly three-fourth of the patients belonged to the middle class with a significant male preponderance. Fall from height (56.60%) was observed to be the most common mode of trauma. Majority of the pre-hospital handling of patients was done by unskilled persons (83.02%) while most patients were transported in a non-medically equipped vehicle. Lumbar spine was observed to be the most common area affected followed by the lower dorsal area. As per ASIA Scale, type E was the most common injury pattern. Various complications observed were pressure sores (26.89%), pulmonary complications and urinary tract infections. We conclude that it is necessary to ensure safe construction of workplace buildings and homes with adequate height guard rails to prevent falls, spread awareness about TSCI, establish facilities for care and state of art Rehabilitation centres for patients with TSCI . Moreover, training programs may be conducted by the government agencies at school and community level to educate the masses on how to handle patients with TSCI as they are the first responders in majority of the cases.