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Published on: August 17, 2017
Pattern of spine fractures after falling from walnut trees
Seyed Amirhossein Javadi1, Fereshteh Naderi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
World Neurosurgery
|December 19, 2012
Summary
Falls from walnut trees cause unique cervical fractures in young male workers, leading to high mortality and significant deficits. This pattern differs from other fall-related spine injuries.
Area of Science:
- Traumatology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Falls from walnut trees are a significant cause of spine fractures.
- These injuries disproportionately affect young male workers, resulting in high mortality and long-term disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and pattern of cervical fractures resulting from falls from walnut trees.
- To compare these injury patterns with those from other types of falls.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study during the 2011 harvest season.
- Recording and analysis of spine fractures in patients presenting after falls from walnut trees.
Main Results:
- Seven fractures were detected in 50 cases (14%).
- Cervical fracture dislocations occurred in 5 cases (10%), and thoracolumbar fractures in 2 cases (4%).
- The mean age of affected individuals was 25 years, with a 10% mortality rate and 8 cases of complete spinal cord injury.
Conclusions:
- Falls from walnut trees result in a distinct fracture pattern, primarily cervical dislocations.
- These injuries predominantly affect young workers, leading to quadriplegia and a poor prognosis.
- The high incidence of severe injury and mortality places a substantial economic burden on society.
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