Spinal fractures as an indicator of concurrent other system injuries: An analysis of 242 cases.

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to examine any non spinal tissue injuries accompanying spinal fractures in an attempt to determine if spinal fractures are an indicator of the presence, severity, and prognosis of concomitant organ/tissue injuries in two trauma center in Turkey. Methods: This study had a retrospective cross-sectional design that incorporated the information of the patients presenting to the emergency services of two level 1 trauma centres in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey between January 2010 and December 2012. Among 242 spinal fracture patients, 98 (41.9%) had accompanying injuries in other regions. Results There was a statistically significant correlation between the accompanying injuries and the single Powered by Editorial Manager (R) and ProduXion Manager (R) from Aries Systems Corporation level spinal fractures, the anatomical localization of the spinal fracture (p=0.012, p=0.048). Accompanying injuries associated with Lumbar Spinal Associated Injury (LSAI) were the most common (n=54, 55%) while Servical Spinal Associated Injury (SSAI) were the least common (n=7, 7.14%). Conclusion: Every patient presenting to emergency department after a high-energy trauma should be regarded as vertebral fracture sunless proven otherwise, and any spine fractures should be taken serious with regard to potential internal organ injuries.