scholarly journals Traumatic spinal cord injuries – epidemiologic and medico-legal issues

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-489
Author(s):  
Bianca Hanganu ◽  
Andreea Alexandra Velnic ◽  
Valentin Petre-Ciudin ◽  
Irina Manoilescu ◽  
Beatrice Gabriela Ioan

Abstract Spinal cord injuries represent a special category of injuries in traumatic pathology, with high morbidity and mortality, which justify their analysis with the aim to identify useful aspects in order to prevent and treat them. We therefore performed a retrospective study on 426 cases in order to analyze epidemiology and medico-legal issues related to spinal cord injuries. The studied items regarded socio-demographic aspects (gender, age, home region), type of lesions (vertebral, spinal cord, association with other trauma), circumstances leading to trauma (cause of the injury, season), data regarding hospitalization (medical condition at the hospital admission, number of days of hospitalization, clinical diagnosis, imaging exploration level) and data resulting from autopsy (diagnosis, toxicological examination). Most of our results are consistent with literature data, except for some epidemiological items, which might be explained with cultural differences, life style and inhomogeneous population. Based on our results, the general conclusion is the need for prevention campaigns, focusing on road traffic accidents and falls (especially in elderly) as the main causes of spinal cord injuries.

Author(s):  
M P Barnes

Spinal cord injury most commonly affects young men as a consequence of road traffic accidents, violence, and sports injuries; falls are a common cause in older patients. Appropriate management of the individual at the scene of an accident is vital to avoid unnecessary worsening of a spinal cord injury. Those who are unconscious should be assumed to have a cervical spine injury until proven otherwise, with (1) the head and neck held firmly (as far as possible) in a neutral position using (if available) a semi-rigid collar, and (2) transportation on a spinal board with a head immobilizer....


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (02) ◽  
pp. 057-061
Author(s):  
Mohammed Maan Abdul Azeez ◽  
Luis Rafael Moscote-Salazar ◽  
Gabriel Alcala-Cerra ◽  
Ezequiel García-Ballestas ◽  
Diego Bustos-Salazar ◽  
...  

AbstractSpinal cord trauma constitutes one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in young adults around the world, with an estimated 2 to 3 new cases for every 100,000 population. Road traffic accidents, falls from high heights, sports injuries, and violent actions are common causes of spinal cord injuries. There is no “gold standard” for the diagnosis of spinal cord traumatic injuries; however, the rational use of conventional radiologic test, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will allow to identify almost all clinically relevant injuries. MRI is recommended according to surgeon’s criteria, who after evaluating the specific characteristics of the injury will determine its usefulness. Therapeutic strategies need to be directed to maintain airway, breathing and circulation, maintenance of mean arterial pressure prevention of hypotension, and assessment of other associated injuries. Intensive treatment must be focused on the prevention and management of ventilatory and cardiovascular abnormalities related to muscle weakness and loss of autonomic innervation.


2014 ◽  
Vol 04 (02) ◽  
pp. 102-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjun S. Pillai ◽  
Arjun Nayanar ◽  
Arushi Chopra ◽  
Avinash Suresh ◽  
Chilsia Shaffi ◽  
...  

Abstract: Introduction: Alcoholism is the recent trend among college students. Peer pressure,stress,depression are some factors that drive these students to practice this social evil. Under intoxication,consequences are grave. Drunk and driving, road traffic accidents, legal issues, antisocial activities are some of them, that has proved alcoholism a public menace. Objective: To assess the risk factors and consequences of alcohol consumption among adolescents. Materials and Methods: A survey was carried out in the colleges under NITTE University. Students present at the day and time of visit were covered. A questionnaire was prepared comprising of a set of 14 questions covering the main objective of the survey. The students were asked to fill the questionnaire irrespective of their gender or whether they consume alcohol or not. Results: From the survey, we found that social gatherings and lifestyle adaptation are major factors that prompt students to consume alcohol. Peer pressure,stress and parents influence are other factors.The consequences observed are legal issues and family problems. But majority didn't seem to face any grave problems due to alcohol intoxication. Conclusions: According to our study, more than 55% of the subjects that consume alcohol do so due to peer pressure, academic stress and emotional stress. Also, more than quarter of those consuming alcohol are involved in road traffic accidents and other legal issues, as well as having familial problems.


Author(s):  
Maryam Ikram ◽  
Rida Fatima ◽  
Anam Ikram ◽  
Farheen Shahid ◽  
Maham Rafiq ◽  
...  

Background: Road traffic accidents are the eighth leading cause of death worldwide, contributing significantly to the global disease burden. As there is a paucity of published data on RTAs in Lahore, this study was carried out to highlight injuries encountered in RTA victims and provide baseline data for the establishment of prevention strategies in our locality.Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of RTA victims admitted in Mayo Hospital, Lahore to determine factors associated with RTAs, characteristics, and outcomes of injuries sustained and effect of Pre-hospital care in determining the outcome.Results: Out of total 100 subjects recruited, 89 were males and 11 females. Ages of patients ranged from 5 to 70 years with the most injured age group ranging between 11-30 years (59%). Motorcyclists were found as the most vulnerable road user group (61%). Most of the accidents occurred because of a collision with another vehicle (45%). 65 victims received pre-hospital care en route to Mayo Hospital, which was found effective in preventing major disabilities in 81% of cases (53 out of 65). Incidence of Musculoskeletal injuries was highest (55%). Most patients (86%) were discharged without permanent disabilities. No patient died during our study.Conclusions: This study shows road traffic accident is a major public health problem in our setting and contribute markedly to high morbidity. Urgent preventive measures should be established to reduce the risk of their occurrence. Early recognition and prompt treatment are important for the survival of the victims.


2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Issa ◽  
Nkinda Mbelenge ◽  
Phillipo L. Chalya ◽  
Japhet M. Gilyoma

Background: Multiple injuries constitute a public health problem and contribute significantly to high morbidity, mortality and long-term disabilities worldwide. This study describes the etiological spectrum, injury characteristics and treatment outcome of multiple injuries at a tertiary care hospital in Tanzania.Methods: This was a descriptive prospective study involving multiple injury patients admitted to Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) from March 2013 to June 2013 inclusive.Results: Out of 712 trauma patients who were admitted to BMC during the study period, 150 (21.1%) had multiple injuries. Their male to female ratio was of 2.3:1. The majority of patients were in the second decade of life. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the most common (93.3%) cause of injury. The majority of patients, 142 (94.7%) sustained blunt injuries. Twelve (8.0%) patients had pre-hospital care. The limbs (89.2%) and the head (78.7%) were the most common body regions injured. The majority of patients (85.3%) sustained severe injuries (ISS ≥ 16). Out of 150 patients, 46 (30.7%) had 65 missed injuries. A total of 142 (94.7%) patients were treated surgically. Wound debridement (87.3%) was the most common surgical procedure performed. The complication and mortality rates were 54.7% and 38.7%, respectively. The overall median length of hospital stay (LOS) was 23 days. Co-morbid illness, HIV positivity, CD4 count (≤ 200 cells/μl), severe trauma (ISS ≥ 16), admission Systolic Blood Pressure < 90 mmHg, missed injuries and surgical site infection significantly influenced mortality (P < 0.001). Patients who developed complications and those who had long bone fractures stayed longer in the hospital (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Road traffic accidents remain a major cause of multiple injuries at BMC and contribute significantly to unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. Urgent preventive measures targeting at reducing the occurrence of road traffic accidents is necessary to reduce the incidence of multiple injuries in our centre.


2011 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 696-701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth T. Jones ◽  
Barbara I. Nicholl ◽  
John McBeth ◽  
Kelly A. Davies ◽  
Richard K. Morriss ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Rukhulla Zabikhullaevich Khikmatullaev ◽  
Alisher Iskandarovich Iskandarov ◽  
Dildora Zabikhullaevna Khakimova

Objective: to analyze main clinical-statistical indices of spine and spinal cord injuries (SCI) and system of organization of medical aid to the victims. We conducted a cohort retrospective study of materials of medical institutions of Tashkent city. Medical records of patients and records of forensic examinations were analyzed. 242 cases of spinal cord injuries were studied. Over the last 10 years in Tashkent the frequency of SCI have been tend to increase, males and working-age people are dominated. In 60.9% of cases the injury was associated, in 36.2% - isolated, and in 2.9% - combined. Fallings from height and road traffic accidents were the main reasons for getting SCI. Lesions at cervical level registered in 45% of cases, thoracic level - 27.3%, at lumbar level - 27.7%, respectively. According to ASIA/IMSOP, full injuries were noted in 40.1% of cases, incomplete injures were in 59.9%. Overall mortality from SCI was 68.6%. Thus, for the first time this study allowed to get in detail the clinical and statistical indicators of SCI in the region.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Nazim Hayat ◽  
Samia Rasool Tabassum ◽  
Yasir Riaz Gillani ◽  
Nadia Bano ◽  
Irshad Ahmed ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Road traffic accidents are the ninth leading cause of death worldwide, contributing significantly to global disease burden. Emergency Medical services(EMS) play a role in minimizing the morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to determine the characteristics of injury pattern and causes encountered in Road Traffic crashes (RTCs) managed by 1122 in Faisalabad Pakistan andto access the outcome of these accidents.  METHODOLOGY: All Road Traffic crashes and victims in Faisalabad city of Pakistan which were initially managed by Rescue 1122 between 2016 to 2019 were included in the study. Total sample size was 101995. It is descriptive cross-sectional study which includes patients of different ages, sex and motor-vehicles accidents having different injury sites. RESULTS: During the study period there were total 101995 RTCs victims to whom emergency medical services (EMS) were provided. Gender wise 80.73% male victims and 19.27% female victims. Major age groups were between 21-30 years (25.917%). The major risk factors of accidents were over-speeding (56.8%) followed by carelessness (18.32%), wrong turn (8.69%) , u-turn(5.84%) , one wheeling(0.008%), tyre burst (0.117%) and others(10.14%). The injuries frequently encountered are minor which accounts for (44.68%), Single fracture (23.25%), Multiple fracture (16.62%), Head injury (12.40%) and Spinal injury(3.03%). Outcome of RTCs in our study was alive & unstable (54.47%), alive & stable (44.7%) and dead (0.83%). CONCLUSION: This study showed that Road Traffic Accident are the major public health problem in our society and contributes markedly to high morbidity and mortality. Urgent Preventive measures including community education should be established to reduce the risk of their outcome.


Author(s):  
Mar Cogollos-Paja ◽  
Juan Angel Garcia-Reneses ◽  
Rafael Herruzo-Cabrera

Introduction: Road traffic accidents are a real pandemic and incur expenses amounting to 1-2% of every country&rsquo;s GDP. AESLEME (Association for the Study of Spinal Cord Injuries) &ndash; devoted to teaching road safety and health to prevent road accidents &ndash; has celebrated its 30th anniversary. AESLEME&rsquo;s instructors are health workers and people with spinal cord injuries caused by road accidents: their presentations &ndash; teaching road safety and sharing information on irreversible injuries &ndash; are enhanced by personal stories that help schoolchildren to acquire knowledge on this matter. However, until now, we had not assessed how far this acquisition of knowledge had reached. Methods used: Two multiple-choice tests were given to each of the 8,106 students (12-14 years) who took part. Of the four possible answers, only one of them was correct. The first multiple-choice test was taken before the presentation and the second was taken one month later. Results: After assessing the answers, there was a change in the tendency of the number of correct answers before/after answers for the multiple-choice test, and the number of correct one&acute;s rose one month after the presentation. This increase is statistically significant (p&amp;lt;0.01) and represents a national increase of 61% in the number of correct answers, although this varies from 8% to 278% depending on the region. Conclusions: The assessment, involving over 8,000 people, showed that there has been an improvement in road safety knowledge thanks to education provided by AESLEME&rsquo;s instructors, and a statistically significant increase was obtained throughout Spain, with an average of 61% (confidence level 95: 53% and 64%).


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