Length of hospital stay amongst patients with incomplete traumatic spinal injury undergoing surgical and non-surgical care in Usman Danfodio university teaching hospital, Nigeria

Abstract Background Length of hospital stay (LOHS) is a critical determinant of patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization, particularly in neurosurgical care. Aim This study aimed to assess and compare LOHS among patients with incomplete traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) managed surgically and non-surgically at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. Methodology A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted involving 42 patients aged 7 years and above with incomplete TSCI. Data were collected using a structured proforma and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results The study population was predominantly male (78.6%), with the 25–34 age group being most affected (28.6%). Road traffic accidents accounted for 73.8% of injuries, followed by falls (14.3%), domestic accidents (9.5%), and assault (2.4%). Notably, 47.6% of patients presented more than 48 h post-injury, and 66.7% were admitted via referral. The overall mean LOHS was 40.07 ± 22.11 days. Patients managed non-operatively had a significantly longer hospital stay (49.12 ± 15.22 days) compared to those who underwent surgery (6.89 ± 1.90 days), with the difference being statistically significant (t = 8.235, p = 0.002). These findings suggest that surgical intervention may facilitate earlier discharge and reduce hospital burden. Conclusion The study highlights systemic challenges such as delayed presentation and limited emergency infrastructure, contributing to prolonged LOHS. Addressing these gaps through early surgical intervention, improved referral systems, and enhanced rehabilitation services is essential for optimising outcomes in patients with incomplete TSCI.