SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF TRAUMATIC SPINAL INJURIES AT TANGANYIKA HOSPITAL

Traumatic spinal injuries are a significant public health concern requiring urgent diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Globally, their incidence ranges from 40 to 50 cases per million annually, with limited data available in Burundi. Common causes include road traffic accidents, falls, and workplace injuries, often affecting fragile transitional spinal regions. Surgery is indicated for cases involving spinal compression, deformity, or instability. Historically, Burundian patients had to seek treatment abroad due to a lack of local expertise and resources. However, since January 2024, Tanganyika Hospital has commenced spinal surgeries under the expertise of Dr. Oscar Niyonzima, marking a milestone in the local management of spinal trauma.