title: Inception of an Australian spine trauma registry: the minimum dataset.
abstract: Background The establishment of a spine trauma registry collecting both spine column and spinal cord data should improve the evidential basis for clinical decisions. This is a report on the pilot of a spine trauma registry including development of a minimum dataset. Methods A minimum dataset consisting of 56 data items was created using the modified Delphi technique. A pilot study was performed on 104 consecutive spine trauma patients recruited by the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR). Data analysis and collection methodology were reviewed to determine its feasibility. Results Minimum dataset collection aided by a dataset dictionary was uncomplicated (average of 5 minutes per patient). Data analysis revealed three significant findings: (1) a peak in the 40 to 60 years age group; (2) premorbid functional independence in the majority of patients; and (3) significant proportion being on antiplatelet or anticoagulation medications. Of the 141 traumatic spine fractures, the thoracolumbar segment was the most frequent site of injury. Most were neurologically intact (89%). Our study group had satisfactory 6-month patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion The minimum dataset had high completion rates, was practical and feasible to collect. This pilot study is the basis for the development of a spine trauma registry at the Level 1 trauma center.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Trauma, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Tee
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: C H P
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; National Trauma Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Gruen
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Emergency Medicine, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: M C B
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Orthopaedics, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Liew
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Alfred, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Rosenfeld
keywords: Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry; minimum dataset; registry; spine trauma