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Pediatric Spine Trauma in the United States--Analysis of the HCUP Kid'S Inpatient Database (KID) 1997-2009
Insights
Pediatric spine injuries increased significantly from 1997 to 2009, with teenagers over 15 being most affected. Motor vehicle collisions were the leading cause of these injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Trauma Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited epidemiological data exists for pediatric spine injuries.
- Understanding trends and risk factors is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence, risk factors, and trends of pediatric spine injuries in the U.S. from 1997 to 2009.
- To identify high-risk populations and common injury mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Kid's Inpatient Database (KID) from 1997-2009, encompassing over 3 million pediatric discharges.
- Employed weighted variables for national prevalence rate calculations.
- Cross-referenced data with Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) and NHTSA for verification.
Main Results:
- Spine injury prevalence rose from 77.07 to 107.96 per million population (pmp) between 1997 and 2009.
- Adolescents aged 15-19 years exhibited the highest prevalence (345.44 pmp).
- Motor vehicle collisions caused 52.9% of injuries, predominantly in those over 15; 14.6% of cases involved neurological deficits.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric spine injuries remain a significant public health concern, with increasing prevalence.
- Teenagers, particularly those over 15, are the most vulnerable group.
- Motor vehicle collisions are the primary cause, necessitating targeted prevention strategies.
Background:
Few references are available describing the epidemiology of pediatric spine injuries. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence, risk factors and trends during the period from 1997 to 2009 of pediatric spine injuries in the United States using a large national database.
Methods:
Data was obtained from the Kid's Inpatient Database (KID) developed by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), for the years 1997-2009. This data includes >3 million discharges from 44 states and 4121 hospitals on children younger than 20 years. Weighted variables are provided which allow for the calculation of national prevalence rates. The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), HCUP. net, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data were used for verification and comparison.
Results:
A prevalence of 107.96 pmp (per million population) spine injuries in children and adolescents was found in 2009, which is increased from the 77.07 pmp observed in 1997. The group 15 to 19 years old had the highest prevalence of all age groups in (345.44 pmp). Neurological injury was present in 14.6% of the cases, for a prevalence of 15.82 pmp. The majority (86.7%) of these injuries occurred in children >15 years. Motor vehicle collisions accounted for 52.9% of all spine injuries, particularly in children >15 years. Between 1997 and 2009 the hospital length of stay decreased, but hospital charges demonstrated a significant increase.
Conclusions:
Pediatric Spine Injuries continue to be a relevant problem, with rates exceeding those of other industrialized nations. Teenagers >15 years of age were at greatest risk, and motor vehicle collisions accounted for the most common mechanism. An increase in prevalence was observed between 1997 and 2009, and this was matched by a similar increase in hospital charges.
Level Of Evidence:
III.
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