Cross-sectional descriptive study of pattern of cervical spine injury at a tertiary care rehabilitation centre in Rajasthan.

To observe the socio demographic profile and injury pattern in cervical spinal cordinjury.

One hundred and forty-one clients of traumatic cervical spine injury (CSI) were admitted from 1st December 2010 to 15th October 2011 at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur. Detailed clinical, neurological evaluation as per American Spinal Injury Association Classification (ASIA) and radiological assessment were done along with identification of mechanism of injury, mode of evacuation and presence of associated injuries. Data analysis was done in October 2011 and results were compiled and analysed.

Mean age in our sample was 35.87 ± 14.38 years that comprised 11 females (7.8%) and 130 males (92.2%) of whom 78 (55.3%) fell in the age group of 25 to 55 years. Majority 64 (45.4%) were illiterate, 80 (56.8%) being farmers and labourers. Greater fraction had road traffic accidents i.e., 66 (46.81%) and fall from height 56 (39.72%) as the mechanism of trauma. Only 69 (49.8%) could arrange an ambulance for transport. Majority of the injured i.e., 84 (59.57%) presented with neurologically complete picture as per ASIA classification and the most common involvement being of 5th and 6th cervical segments i.e., 103 (73.15%).

This study evaluated the demographic variables of cervical spine injury for better understanding of impact that it has and further for better allocation of our health resources, distribution and planning