Risk Factors for Neurological Deficiency One Year after Blunt-Induced Traumatic Cervical Fracture

Abstract

Background/Aims: Little is known about the risk factors of neurological deficiency after blunt cervical fracture. This study was performed to identify factors predicting neurological deficiency after blunt cervical fracture. Methods: Within our Level I Trauma Center, we performed a retrospective case-control study. Patients with a cervical fracture after blunt trauma between January 2000 and December 2005 were identified. In total, 76 patients sustained a cervical fracture and survived 1 year after trauma. All patient files were reviewed. Patient and trauma characteristics were registered in an electronic database. Results: 26 patients were referred to the Neurology Department. Of these, 14 patients had complaints of sensory or motor loss and 12 patients were seen for sensory and motor loss. Involvement of the seventh cervical vertebrae (p = 0.030) and spinal cord compression were found to be independent significant risk factors for sensory or motor loss. The injury severity score (p = 0.001) and involvement of the vertebral body (p = 0.042) were significantly associated with sensory and motor loss. Conclusion: During patient evaluation, the identified variables should be taken into account. If one understands the risk factors, then it is possible to explain the expected outcome after the spine fracture.