Traumatic spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries: correlation of trauma type with subsequent disability

Abstract

Abstract Background Traumatic spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries may lead to neurological deficits and fatal consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of traumatic spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries, examine the relationship between the type of injury and the affected nerves, and discuss appropriate prevention measures. Results Of these, 236 were males and 63 were females, and the mean age was 35.56 ± 15.10 years. Traffic accidents (56.9%) were the most common etiological factor. This study included 288 peripheral nerve injuries and 82 spinal cord injuries. The fibular nerve (n = 49) and cervical spinal cord (n = 35) were the most frequently injured areas. Permanent functional and sensorial losses associated with traumatic nerve injuries were observed in 239 (79.9%) cases, of which 171 exhibited loss of muscle strength, 114 presented with neuro-sensorial symptoms, 37 had urinary/faecal incontinence, and 1 demonstrated erectile dysfunction. And, the incidence of permanent loss of function was significantly higher following traffic accidents ( $$\chi$$ χ 2 = 50.095, Adj. p < 0.001). Conclusions Peripheral and spinal nerve injuries play a crucial role in forensic investigations, providing valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding a crime or injury. Their significance extends to both criminal and civil proceedings, influencing legal strategies, determinations of liability, and the quantification of damages. In this study, especially traffic accidents were significantly associated with nerve injuries leading to permanent loss of function, and the type of trauma was associated with the nerves injured. Therefore, this study will contribute to criminal and civil proceedings.

Keywords

• Injury
• Spinal cord
• Peripheral nerve
• Traffic accident