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Spine injuries associated with falls from hunting tree stands
B M Crites1, C T Moorman, W T Hardaker
1Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Journal of the Southern Orthopaedic Association
|January 7, 1999
Summary
Falls from hunting tree stands frequently cause severe spinal injuries and disability. Hunter safety education is crucial for preventing these preventable accidents.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Trauma Surgery
- Spine Surgery
Background:
- Falls from hunting tree stands are a significant cause of traumatic spinal injuries.
- These injuries often lead to neurological deficits, prolonged hospitalization, and long-term disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the types of spinal injuries resulting from falls from hunting tree stands.
- To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 27 patients treated for tree-stand related spine injuries between 1981 and 1997.
- Data collected included injury type, fall height, alcohol involvement, associated injuries, and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- The mean fall height was 19.6 feet.
- Common injuries included burst fractures (17) and wedge compression fractures (8).
- Significant neurological injury occurred in 44% of patients, and 59% had associated injuries.
Conclusions:
- Falls from tree stands can result in severe spinal fractures with significant neurological compromise and disability.
- Aggressive hunter safety education may prevent many of these injuries.
- Treatment often involves surgical intervention (open reduction, internal fixation, fusion) or bracing (orthoses, corsets).