SURGICAL DELAY IN PATIENTS WITH SUBAXIAL FRACTURE

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Severe subaxial cervical fractures significantly impact young adults, predominantly males.
• Falls and automobile accidents are common trauma mechanisms leading to these fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate surgical waiting times for severe subaxial cervical fractures.
• To identify primary causes of surgical delays in these patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective quantitative study of 36 patients operated between January 2015 and June 2023.
• Analysis of patient demographics, trauma mechanisms, fracture classifications, and waiting times.
• Data collected via physical forms and electronic platforms (SurveyMonkey®, Red Cap®).

Main Results:

• Average surgical waiting time was 9.28 days.
• Operating room availability was the main cause of delay (66.7%).
• Predominant patient demographic: males (86.1%), average age 44.97 years.

Conclusions:

• Timely surgical intervention is critical for minimizing complications and improving neurological outcomes in cervical fracture patients.
• Strategies to reduce surgical waiting times, including improved hospital resource management, are essential.
• Evidence Level III; Retrospective Cohort Study.