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Traumatic Spinal Injuries in Northern Finland
Ville Niemi-Nikkola1,2, Nelli Saijets1,2, Henriikka Ylipoussu1,2
1Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
Spine
|April 26, 2017
Summary
Traumatic spinal injuries (TSI) in Northern Finland are primarily caused by low falls in the elderly and road traffic accidents in younger individuals. Prevention efforts should target these specific demographics and injury mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Traumatology
- Public Health
Background:
- International incidence of traumatic spinal injuries (TSI) ranges from 16-64/100,000, with road traffic and falls as common causes.
- Specific epidemiological data for Finland is limited, with a previously reported incidence of 27/100,000 for spine fractures requiring inpatient care.
- Associated injuries occur in 30-55% of TSI cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of traumatic spinal injuries (TSI) in Northern Finland.
- To provide updated data on TSI etiology, injury patterns, and associated injuries within the region.
- To inform targeted primary prevention strategies for spinal injuries.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective epidemiological study analyzing patients admitted to Oulu University Hospital (OYS) between 2007 and 2011.
- Data collection involved hospital care registers, including inpatient/outpatient visits and surgical procedures.
- Identification of traumatic spinal column and spinal cord injuries used ICD-10 and Nordic Classification codes, with manual patient record review.
Main Results:
- The mean annual incidence of hospitalized TSI was 26/100,000 in Northern Finland and 35/100,000 in the OYS area.
- Low falls (35.8%) were the leading cause of TSI, followed by road traffic incidents and high falls.
- The lumbar spine was the most frequent fracture site; 38.7% underwent surgery, 31.7% had associated injuries, 10.4% had spinal cord injury, and 7.3% had brain injury.
Conclusions:
- Low falls among the elderly and road traffic injuries in younger populations are the predominant causes of TSI in Northern Finland.
- These findings underscore the need for enhanced primary prevention strategies focused on these specific demographics and mechanisms.
- Further research and targeted interventions are crucial for reducing the burden of traumatic spinal injuries.
