Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Saudi Arabia: an Epidemiological Estimate from Riyadh

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Objectives: To review traumatic spinal cord injury rates and epidemiology at the Riyadh Military Hospital in Saudi Arabia and to hypothesise strategies for a more integrated approach to injury prevention in Saudi Arabia.

Setting: RMH, Rehabilitation Division.

Methods: A review was conducted of all patients with TSCI aged ≥14 years admitted to RMH from January 2003 to December 2008. Descriptive analysis was performed for age, gender, cause of TSCI, completeness and neurological level of the injury.

Results: In all, 307 TSCI patients were admitted during this period: 88% were male, and their mean age was 29.5 years old were the main cause of TSCI (85%).

Conclusions: TSCI in Saudi Arabia affects mainly the male population. The rate of RTAs caused by four-wheeled vehicles is the highest globally reported RTA statistic. Primary prevention strategies specific to the region should be developed to decrease the number of car accidents. The higher-than-expected rate of complete injuries may reflect practices in acute management and transport, and suggests that a review of the acute and integrated management of TSCI may also be necessary.