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Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Original research

The epidemiology of traumatic cervical spine fractures: a prospective population study from Norway

Authors: Hege Linnerud Fredø, Syed Ali Mujtaba Rizvi, Bjarne Lied, Pål Rønning, Eirik Helseth

Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of traumatic cervical spine fractures (CS-fx) in a general population.

Background

The incidence of CS-fx in the general population is largely unknown.

Methods

All CS-fx (C0/C1 to C7/Th1) patients diagnosed with cervical-CT in Southeast Norway (2.7 million inhabitants) during the time period from April 27, 2010-April 26, 2011 were prospectively registered in this observational cohort study.

Results

Over a one-year period, 319 patients with CS-fx at one or more levels were registered, constituting an estimated incidence of 11.8/100,000/year. The median age of the patients was 56 years (range 4–101 years), and 68% were males. The relative incidence of CS-fx increased significantly with age. The trauma mechanisms were falls in 60%, motorized vehicle accidents in 21%, bicycling in 8%, diving in 4% and others in 7% of patients. Neurological status was normal in 79%, 5% had a radiculopathy, 8% had an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), 2% had a complete SCI, and neurological function could not be determined in 6%. The mortality rates after 1 and 3 months were 7 and 9%, respectively. Among 319 patients, 26.6% were treated with open surgery, 68.7% were treated with external immobilization with a stiff collar and 4.7% were considered stable and not in need of any specific treatment. The estimated incidence of surgically treated CS-fx in our population was 3.1/100,000/year.

Conclusions

This study estimates the incidence of traumatic CS-fx in a general Norwegian population to be 11.8/100,000/year. A male predominance was observed and the incidence increased with increasing age. Falls were the most common trauma mechanism, and SCI was observed in 10%. The 1- and 3-month mortality rates were 7 and 9%, respectively. The incidence of open surgery for the fixation of CS-fx in this population was 3.1/100,000/year.

Level of evidence

This is a prospective observational cohort study and level II-2 according to US Preventive Services Task Force.

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Title: The epidemiology of traumatic cervical spine fractures: a prospective population study from Norway
Authors: Hege Linnerud Fredø
Syed Ali Mujtaba Rizvi
Bjarne Lied
Pål Rønning
Eirik Helseth
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1757-7241
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-7241-20-85

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The epidemiology of traumatic cervical spine fractures: a prospective population study from Norway

Abstract

Aim

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

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