title: Improvement in initial survival of spinal injuries: a 10-year audit.
abstract: A 10-year retrospective study of all spinal injuries presenting to the Leeds Teaching Hospitals between 1991 and 2001. The hospitals provide secondary care to a population of 750,000 and tertiary care to a population of 2-3 million. In total 1119 spinal injuries were studied. The overall survival rate was 89%. The commonest age group for presentation was 25-29 years with a secondary peak in the seventh decade, a mean overall of 43 years. 66% of injuries occurred in males. The commonest cause was a fall from a height (44%), with road traffic accidents (RTA) causing 43%. Pedestrians were most at risk within the road traffic group, making up 63% of cases. Isolated cervical spine injuries made up 37% of all cases. Cervical fractures were most associated with neurological injury (50%). Immediate survival has increased over the decade from 83% in 1991 to 93% in 2001. The probability of survival was significant at P = 0.006 and actual survival at P = 0.012 (Pearson correlation). The causal analysis has not been carried out but it is thought likely that improved quality of care is responsible.
authors: Department of Accident and Emergency, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds LSI 3EX, West Yorkshire, UK.
authors: H B
authors: HB
authors: Tan
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Sloan
authors: I F
authors: IF
authors: Barlow
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000401:mortality*; D015996:Survival Rate / Q000639:trends