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. 2017 Nov;8(Suppl 2):S67-S70.
doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2017.03.011. Epub 2017 Apr 23.

Incidence of spinal fractures in the Netherlands 1997-2012

J G Ten Brinke  1 , T P Saltzherr  2 , M J M Panneman  3 , M Hogervorst  2 , J C Goslings  1
Affiliations

Incidence of spinal fractures in the Netherlands 1997-2012

J G Ten Brinke et al. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2017 Nov.

Abstract

: To determine time trends of emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalization rates, spinal cord lesions and characteristics of patients with spinal fractures in the Netherlands.

Methods: In an observational database study we used the Dutch Injury Surveillance System to analyse spinal fracture-related ED visits, hospitalization rates and spinal cord lesions between 1997 and 2012.

Results: The total number of ED visits associated with spinal fractures increased from 4,507 in 1997 to 9,690 in 2012 (115% increase). The increase in the total number of fractures occurred in all age groups independently of gender. However, incidence rates increased more strongly with age and were higher in young males and ageing females. The hospitalization rate of diagnosed spinal fractures remained stable between 62 and 67%. The incidence of spinal cord lesions varied between 13.8 and 20.3 per million of the population over a period of 15 years.

Conclusion: Spinal fracture-related ED visits are increasing in the Dutch population, independently of age or gender. The hospitalization rate and the absolute numbers of spinal cord lesions have remained stable over a period of 15 years. These findings are relevant for public health decision-making and resource allocation.

Keywords: Emergency department; Public health; Spinal cord injury; Spinal cord lesion; Spinal fractures.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Number of people visiting the ED with a spinal fracture per 100,000 inhabitants per year in the Netherlands (1997–2012).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Age-specific numbers of spinal fracture-related ED visits in the Netherlands (1997–2012).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Age- and gender-specific numbers of spinal fracture-related ED visits in the Netherlands (1997–2012).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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