Anuchit Chaiamporn¹^,², Torphong Bunmaprasert²

Objective: To understand the risk factors and incidence of multilevel non-contiguous spinal fractures is crucial for improving diagnosis, management, and outcomes.

Materials and Methods: The 12-year retrospective observational study included 588 patients with traumatic cervical spine fractures admitted at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital between January 2011 and December 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups, those with multilevel non-contiguous spine fractures and those without multilevel non-contiguous spine fractures. Outcomes were analyzed using multivariable analysis. Results were presented as adjusted odd ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: Among 588 patients, the incidence of multilevel non-contiguous spine fractures was 17.01% (100 out of 588 patients). Independent factors associated with multilevel non-contiguous spine fractures were motor weakness (AOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.01, p=0.007), intracranial injuries (AOR 2.61, 95% CI 1.61 to 4.23, p=0.000), intrathoracic injuries (AOR 2.88, 95% CI 1.77 to 4.69, p=0.040), and intraabdominal injuries (AOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.03 to 3.55, p=0.000).

Conclusion: The present study identified critical risk factors for multilevel non-contiguous spine fractures in patients with traumatic cervical spine fracture. Those risk factors were motor weakness, intracranial injuries, intrathoracic injuries, and intraabdominal injuries. These findings can help guide clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

Received 10 July 2024 | Revised 24 October 2024 | Accepted 28 October 2024

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2024.12.981-985-01394