Distribution of Spinal and Associated Injuries in Multiple Trauma Patients

Injury to the spinal column and cord are often part of life-threatening multiple trauma. Epidemiological data could help to establish an evidence-based assessment and therapy of these patients. We present a retrospective chart analysis of 590 multiple traumatized patients admitted within a 4-year-period. Patients suffering from injuries of the spinal column were analysed regarding mechanism and distribution of their injuries to all body regions. Thirty-one percent (n = 183) of polytraumatized patients displayed a spine injury. Distribution analysis showed peaks in the cervical spine and the thoraco-lumbar junction. The risk of relevant associated injuries is mainly influenced from anatomical vicinity to the injured spinal segment. Injuries to the spinal column are frequent in the multiple trauma patients population. Diagnosed injuries to distinct body regions should make the trauma team suspicious of injury to the nearby spinal column. Appropriate treatment includes thorough assessment of all injuries to clarify the damage and carry on special protection of these spinal regions preventing from deterioration.