Shirin Mirza, Syeda Fizza Tauqir, Shahzad Gul, Hirra Ghaffar, Asif Zafar Malik.
Evaluation of levels and patterns of spinal cord injuries in the Earthquake victims.
J Surg Pak Jan ;11(4):172-4.

Objective: To determine the extent of spinal cord injuries among patients affected by the earth quake of October 8th 2005 in Pakistan. Design: Cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: The study was conducted from 10th October to 10th December 2005 in surgical and neurosurgical units of Rawalpindi Medical College and allied hospitals (Holy family hospital, Rawalpindi general hospital and District Headquarter hospital) and Melody relief and rehabilitation center, Islamabad. Patients and Methods: Level and patterns of spinal cord injuries was evaluated according to ASIA (American spinal injuries association) scoring system in one hundred and ninety four patients. Stability of spine and number of patients operated for spinal cord injuries was also assessed. Results: One hundred and ninety four patients comprised of 74%(n=144) females and 26%(n=50) males. 78%(n=151) patients were of 16-39 years of age. 62%(n=120) of patients had injury at lumbar level, 25%(n=48) at thoracic level, 9%(n=18) at thoracolumbar level, a few had injuries at cervical and sacral level. 46.4%(n=90) patients had spinal cord injuries which were graded “A” according to ASIA scoring system. 12%(n=8) graded as “B”,10.82%(n=21) graded as “C”,9.2% (n=18) graded as “D” and 13.91% (n=27) graded as “E”. In 69%(n=134) patients` spine was stable and 31%(n=60) had unstable spine. 77 % ( n=150) patients were operated and in 23 %( n=44) patients, operation was not indicated. Conclusions: Majority of spinal cord injuries occurred at thoracolumbar level leading to paraplegia. Those with ASIA score “A” would be bedridden for life. Proper rehabilitation programs should be inculcated to enable them to live an independent life.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com