ANALYSIS OF THORACOLUMBAR SPINE FRACTURES: DIAGNOSIS, ETIOLOGY AND TREATMENT METHODS

Abstract

Spinal fractures are considered a significant cause of disability and a socioeconomic problem. The incidence of spinal injuries tends to increase with age, due to decreased bone density and increased high-energy injuries. In this study, we assessed the frequency, etiology, nature of thoracolumbar spine injuries and their treatment methods in the Bishkek Clinical Emergency Hospital. Clinical and radiological data of 90 patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures admitted to the hospital from 2022 to 2023 were analyzed, the mechanism of injury, the level of damage, the nature of the fracture and treatment methods were assessed. The average age of the patients was 50.24±19.21 years; men accounted for 51.6%. Compression injuries accounted for (96.5%), with the most common location being fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. Low-energy injuries accounted for half of all fractures. Concomitant neurological damage was detected in 4.5% of patients and was more common in younger patients. Pathological fractures occurred in 13.4% and were more common in older people and women. Thus, road accidents and falls from height were the most common causes of spinal fractures in patients under 40 years of age. However, 60% of fractures occurred in women and were caused by a simple fall from their own height, reflecting the high prevalence of impaired bone mineral density among women and older people. Therefore, to reduce the risk of spinal injury, it is necessary to recommend compliance with road safety and labor safety measures in high-rise buildings, as well as safety measures for older people at home and on the street.