Objective
To highlight the importance and incidence of associated injuries with spinal cord trauma.
Patients and Methods
Retrospective analysis of 375 spinal cord injury patients admitted to spinal injury unit, from November 2006 to October 2009 was performed. Data were collected from the medical records.
Results
The incidence of associated injuries along with spinal cord injury was 40%. Motor vehicle accident was the most common etiology of spinal injury. The most common level of injury was C5-C6 fracture dislocation. The common associated injuries were chest (24%) abdomen (22.7%), limb (21.3%) head (16.7%) and facial trauma (15.3%).
Conclusion
An associated injury with spinal cord injuries is a common occurrence and may increase mortality and morbidity. (Rawal Med J 2011;36:18-21).
Key words: Spinal injury, fracture, dislocation.
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