Understanding the Epidemiology of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study analysed demographic and injury characteristics in 61 male patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) hospitalized in an 80-bed specialized spinal injury centre for surgical management. The mean age was 32.5 years (range 21-57), with 44.3% in the 20-29 age group; cervical injuries (52.5%) predominated, mostly causing quadriplegia (93.8%), while thoracic (36%) and lumbar (9.8%) injuries led to paraplegia. Road traffic accidents (45.9%) and falls (39.3%) were the common causes of injuries, peaking on Saturdays (21.7%), primarily from states of Maharashtra, Punjab, and Assam.

These findings highlight the load of traumatic spinal cord injury in young working males in India, aligning with global patterns in developing countries but emphasizing occupational and seasonal risks. Strategic interventions including road safety and emergency care frameworks are recommended to fight this public health challenge.