Causes of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury with Gender Distribution and Most Commonly Affected Age Group

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has significant consequences, especially for young adults, requiring comprehensive support. Additionally, non-traumatic SCI is under-researched in Pakistan, highlighting the need for further investigation. Managing readmissions post-discharge remains a global challenge for SCI patients. This study conducted at Paraplegic Centre Peshawar aims to find the traumatic causes of spinal cord injury with gender and age distribution.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Paraplegic Center in Hayatabad and Prime Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Over two months, 1843 patients were recruited from hospital records with permission from the department head. Data collection forms were designed to include age, gender, and cause of SCI, ensuring confidentiality by excluding personal identifiers. SPSS-V19 was used for data analysis.

Results: Our study included 1843 patient records, with males comprising 80.7% and females 19.3%. Among different age groups, individuals aged 30 and older represented the highest proportion at 52.7%. The primary causes of spinal cord injury were falls from height (46.3%) and firearm injuries (25.9%). Paraplegic injuries were more prevalent, accounting for 87.9% of cases compared to quadriplegic injuries at 12.1%. These findings shed light on the demographics and patterns of spinal cord injuries, providing valuable insights for healthcare management and prevention strategies.

Conclusion: Falls are major cause of spinal cord injury (SCI). Mean age patients suffers are 26. frequency of SCI is more in males then females. Paraplegia is more common then quadriplegia. The socioeconomic impact of SCI is eminence because it is affecting the youth population. It is important to understand the epidemiological features of SCIs which could lead to plan appropriate cost-effective prevention strategy in order to reduce the SCI prevalence and incidence in our community.