Pattern of traumatic spinal cord injury in Makurdi, Nigeria

Objectives: To study the pattern of presentation and outcome of conservative treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in our institution. Setting: Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Benue State. Materials and Methods: A 3-year retrospective review (June 2012 to May 2015) of TSCI was done. Demographic data, cause, associated injuries, time interval to presentation, level of injury, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification at presentation and at 6 weeks were obtained from case notes. The patients were all managed conservatively and had bed rest on air or water mattress. Results: There were 45 patients mean age 33.26 ± 1.55 (range 8–77 years) with TSCI comprising 37 males and 8 females giving a male: female ratio of 4.6:1. Students were mostly affected ( n = 11, 24%) while motor vehicular accident was the cause of injury ( n = 18, 40%). Cervical spine was the most injured ( n = 24 53.3%). Majority had the ASIA Class A ( n = 22 48.9%) at presentation. Thirteen (48.1%) of them improved, two were referred, six remained the same, eight deteriorated, and 16 were discharged against medical advice. Period of hospitalization was 1–65 days. Conclusion: TSCI affects mainly young males involved in motor vehicular accident. Conservative treatment can be used in resource-constrained centers.