EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF TRAUMATIC FRACTURES IN THE CERVICAL SPINE IN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL IN THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study aimed to carry out a retrospective analysis of patients with traumatic fractures of the cervical spine carried out at Mário Covas State Hospital in Santo André, São Paulo, from January 2018 to December 2022. Data were collected from medical records and radiographic image database in the Hospital’s medical-statistical service. The variables analyzed were age group, gender, mechanism of trauma, affected vertebrae, type of fracture and neurological deficit. 89 individuals met inclusion and exclusion requirements. Traumatic injuries to the cervical spine were more frequent in working-age male adults, the most prevalent trauma mechanism was falling from height, the most affected vertebra was C2 followed by C6, the vast majority of patients had no neurological deficit and the most recommended treatment was non-surgical. Obtaining an understanding of the factors involved in this process and the consequences of injuries, public health planning and strategies for the promotion and prevention of traumatic cervical spine injuries are paramount importance. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective Study.

Keywords

• Spinal Fractures
• Cervical Vertebrae
• Epidemiology.