Dynamics of Statistical Parameters of Fractures of Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae in Patients Injured in Road Traffic Accidents on the Scale of an Urban Agglomeration of 1 Million People

INTRODUCTION: Spinal fractures resulting from road traffic accidents (RTA) are a common cause of disability and mortality among young patients of the working age, making a serious modern healthcare problem. Public healthcare measures should be aimed at preventing spinal injuries resulting from RTA. AIM: To assess the statistical characteristics of thoracic and lumbar spine injuries in victims of RTA who underwent treatment at the regional center of traumatology with an emergency and urgent care coverage area of 1 million residents (998,924 people according to the Federal Service for State Statistics for the Tyumen Region of January 01, 2024). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of hospital records of patients who underwent treatment at the center of traumatology and orthopedics from January 2018 to December 2022, was conducted. Demographic parameters, morphology of spinal injuries, neurological status in case of a complicated fracture, and mortality were studied. RESULTS: We analyzed the medical records of 205 patients who suffered RTA and had thoracic and lumbar spine injuries. A total of 339 vertebral fractures were diagnosed, of them 23 (6.8%) fractures of cervical, 192 (56.6%) fractures of thoracic and 124 (36.7%) fractures of lumbar vertebrae. The most common injury sites were Th12 (8.8%, n = 30) and L1 (15.3%, n = 52) vertebrae. Neurological deficit was noted in 2.9% (n = 6). The mean age of men was 39.7 ± 11.5 years, of women 46.3 ± 13.7 years. Type A1 injuries (in AOSpine classification) were noted in 184 (54.3%) patients, A3 type fractures accounted for 15.9% (n = 54). Fractures of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae often combined with injuries to other organs and systems — 132 cases (64.4%). Eight cases (3.9%) ended in death. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the epidemiological, demographic and morphological characteristics of injuries to the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae resulting from RTA. On the basis of the data obtained, it is possible to develop effective methods for prevention and treatment of such injuries.