F.5 Spinal column and spinal cord injuries secondary to mountain biking accidents: a 15-year review at a provincial spine referral centre

Abstract

Background: Mountain biking (MTB) is an increasingly popular sport that has been associated with serious spinal injuries, which can have devastating effects on patients and significant impacts on healthcare resources. Herein, we characterized the occurrence of these MTB spinal injuries over a 15-year period and analyzed the affiliated acute-care hospital costs. Methods: Patients seen at Vancouver General Hospital for MTB spinal injuries between 2008-2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, injury details, treatments, outcomes, and resource requirements for acute hospitalization were collected. The Canadian Institute for Health Information was referenced for cost analysis. Results: Over the 15 years of analysis, 149 MTB spinal injuries occurred. The majority (87.2%) were male. 59 (39.6%) were associated with spinal cord injury; most of these were in the cervical spine (72.3%) and majority were AIS Grade A (36.1%). 102 patients (68.5%) required spine surgery; 26 (17.4%) required intensive care; 34 (22.8%) required inpatient rehabilitation. Mean length of stay was 13.5 days and acute admission costs for the healthcare system averaged $35,251 (95% CI $27,080-$43,424). Conclusions: MTB spinal injuries are associated with significant medical, personal, and financial burden. As injury prevention remains paramount, further investigation of the roles of education and safety measures is recommended.