A Study of Traumatic Dorsal and Lumbar Vertebral Injuries with Neurological Deficit

Abstract

Abstract Introduction It has been reported that 6% of all fractures affect the spinal column, and 90% of them are found in the thoracic or lumbar regions. However, information on traumatic SCI is minimal for developing countries. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the pattern, causes and surgical outcome of dorsal and lumbar spine trauma in the rural Indian population. Methods 21 patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of thoracic or lumbar spine injury were studied. There were 15 males and 6 females with an average age of 41.6 years. All the patients were followed over a minimum period of 18 months and the results were analyzed. Results Most of the patients belonged to the labourer group, both industrial and farm labourers, constituting 57.14%. The average duration of injury to admission is 2.5 days. Fall from height (FFH) was the leading cause of spine injury and constituted 61.91%. The dorso-lumbar junction, i.e. D11, D12, L1 and L2, was the most affected, constituting 66.66% of all the injuries. In most of the fractures, stabilization was done with 2 pairs of pedicle screws (one proximal and one distal), as in 17 out of 19 operated patients (89.48%). The average follow-up duration was 22 months. According to our result assessment criteria, 55% of the patients had excellent-to-good result at final follow-up. Conclusion The number of screws used had no co-relation with the kyphosis correction and neurological outcome of the patient and fusion is not mandatory to maintain the correction of deformity.