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Traumatic spinal cord injuries in Jordan--an epidemiological study
A S Otom1, A M Doughan, J S Kawar
1Royal Jordanian Rehabilitation Centre, King Hussein Medical Centre, Amman-Jordan.
Spinal Cord
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Jordan show an annual incidence of 18 per million, predominantly affecting males due to motor vehicle accidents. Prevention strategies are crucial.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the epidemiology of SCI is vital for developing targeted prevention and management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Jordan.
- To provide data for a future nationwide epidemiological survey on SCI.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted reviewing 151 traumatic SCI patients admitted to the Royal Jordanian Rehabilitation Centre (RJRC) between January 1988 and December 1993.
- Data collected included patient demographics, injury aetiology, and neurological outcomes (paraplegia vs. tetraplegia).
Main Results:
- The estimated annual incidence of traumatic SCI was 18 per million population.
- The majority of patients were male (85.4%) with a mean age of 33 years.
- Motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause (44.4%), followed by bullet injuries (25.8%) and falls (21.2%).
- Paraplegia (68%) was more common than tetraplegia (32%).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a significant burden of traumatic SCI in Jordan, with specific demographic and aetiological patterns.
- Findings underscore the importance of addressing road safety and other injury prevention measures.
- The data serves as a baseline for future epidemiological research and public health interventions in the region.