Rizwan Masood Butt, Shahzad Shams, Anjum Habib, Iftikhar Ali Raja, Afaq Sarwar, Aftab Ahmed.
Epidemiology of Spinal Injuries.
Pak J Neurol Jan ;3(1):20-5.

One year study was conducted at Lahore General Hospital. The purpose of the study was to find out the total load of spinal injury patients, to know the circumstances in which these occur, and to find out ways to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality. A total of 173 patients were admitted. Eighty eight (51 %) were from small towns and villages and eighty five (48.9%) were from major cities. Majority of patients (41%) were between 21 to 40 years of age. More men (69.7%) were admitted with spinal injuries than women (30.2%). A large proportion (39.5%,) was from area between 11 to 40 miles around the Lahore General Hospital. Commonest level of injury was cervical region (58.9%). Causative agent in 79 (45.7%) was road traffic accident, in 22(12.5%) firearm injuries. Agriculture related accidents were responsible in 33 (19%) patients. Electric shock was responsible in 4 (2.3%) cases. Associated injuries were present in 19 (10.4%) patients. Twenty one (12.5%) patients died during their stay in hospital. Spinal injury is one of the grave neurosurgical emergencies. We conclude that spinal injury commonly involves young men, who are sole bread earners of the family and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. It is recommended that the government should make rules and regulations with mass public education so that the worksheets (industrial or agricultural) and roads are made safer. Medical first aid system of ambulances with paramedical staff, should be made available even in rural areas. Development of trauma centres on regional basis, with multidiscipline trauma management services is needed.

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