Epidemiology of the Spinal Cord and Cauda Equina Injury in Korea: Multicenter Study.
10.4184/jkss.2011.18.3.83
- Author:
Jun Young YANG
1
;
Dae Moo SHIM
;
Tae Kyun KIM
;
Eun Su MOON
;
Hong Moon SOHN
;
Chang Hwa HONG
;
Ki Ho NAH
;
Soo Min CHA
;
Yong Bum JOO
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. jyyang@cnu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Multicenter Study ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Spinal cord injury;
Multi-center study;
Prevalence
- MeSH:
Cauda Equina;
Emergency Treatment;
Female;
Humans;
Male;
Paralysis;
Prevalence;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Retrospective Studies;
Spinal Cord;
Spinal Cord Injuries;
Steroids
- From:Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery
2011;18(3):83-90
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
STUDY DESIGN: Multi-center study, questionnaire survey. OBJECTIVES: To offer a database of spinal cord injury (SCI) by reviewing statistics and literatures of other countries, investigating the overall mechanism, injury patterns and treatment of SCI. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There are no preexisting domestic studies (collectively conducted by multi-centers) of the prevalence and treatment of SCI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2006 to August 2009, 47 cases of SCI in 6 universities were investigated retrospectively. 17 questionnaire contents including the courses of injury-to-treatment were studied with data gathered from surveys. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 48.4-years-old, male to female ratio was 33 to 14. The cases of falling from a height were 22 cases (47%), lumbar area 19 cases (40%), and unstable bursting fracture 24 cases (51%) the most. Complete and incomplete paralyses were 19 cases (40%) and 28 cases (60%), respectively. High dose steroids were injected in 16 cases (NASCIS II) and 9 cases (NASCIS III). 14 cases presented complications and operations were performed 46 cases (98%). 12 cases (26%) arrived at the hospital within 4 hours of injury, 11 cases (23%) in 8 hours. On the way to the hospital, proper emergency treatment was performed in 25 cases (53%), and 30 cases (64%) had a clear understanding of SCI after the final diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that offers a comprehensive database of spinal cord injury (SCI), by investigating the overall mechanism, injury patterns, and treatment of SCI; this study is expected to be used in the future as an important reference material for spinal cord injury statistics and a standard for care.