J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  2011 Sep;18(3):83-90.

Epidemiology of the Spinal Cord and Cauda Equina Injury in Korea: Multicenter Study

• Yang JY
• Shim DM
• Kim TK
• Moon ES
• Sohn HM
• Hong CH
• Nah KH
• Cha SM
• Joo YB

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.

Keyword

Spinal cord injury; Multi-center study; Prevalence

MeSH Terms

Cauda Equina
Emergency Treatment
Female
Humans
Male
Paralysis
Prevalence
Surveys and Questionnaires
Retrospective Studies
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Injuries
Steroids
Steroids

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Multicenter study, questionnaire survey. 17 contents asked of 6 university spine surgeons.

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