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2026, Number 1

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Cir Columna 2026; 4 (1)

Spinal cord trauma due to fall from height. Demographic clinical analysis

Ladewig-Bernáldez GI, Magaña-Cárdenas AN, González-Delgado A, Miguel-Zambrano A, Gómez-Flores G, Prado-Bobadilla V, Cossio-Solís JA, Oropeza-Oropeza E, Dufoo-Olvera M

Language: Spanish
References: 16
Page: 26-32
PDF size: 222.66 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction: falls from height represent one of the main causes of serious trauma and disability globally, constituting a priority problem for public health. These injuries not only compromise the physical integrity of individuals, but also generate a significant impact on their life quality, their work capacity, and the health systems. In particular, spine injuries resulting from falls present a high morbidity, and can cause permanent disabilities. The main objective of this study is to analyze the patterns of vertebral injuries in patients who have suffered falls, in order to contribute in the design of prevention and management strategies that can be applied in clinical practice and public health policies. Material and methods: a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational and descriptive stadistic report was carried out. The study population included patients with spinal cord injuries due to a fall from height treated between 2015 and 2023. They were reviewed 1,127 records, of which 192 met the inclusion criteria. The variables studied included age, sex, height of the fall, location of the accident, Injuries classification (ASIA and AO), and surgical management performed. Results: the prevalence of injuries due to falling from a height was 170.4 per 1,000 patients treated. The majority of affected patients were men (79.17%) in the age range of 20 to 59 years (81.25%). The average height of the falls was 4.6 meters, and the most frequent place of the accident was at work (56.77%). The most common vertebral fractures were classified as AO type A4 (32.29%) and AO type C (27.60%). The 360o combined lumbar approach was the most common surgical treatment (30.73%). Conclusions: falls from height represent a significant and constant cause of spinal cord injuries in the population, standing out as a public health problem that requires priority attention. These injuries are not only common, but also carry high morbidity rates. The implementation of more rigorous preventive measures in work environments is recommended, as well as the continuous optimization of treatment and rehabilitation protocols. This could not only improve patients’ clinical outcomes but also their long-term quality of life.


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