The race against time: patterns and variables of spine surgery timing in traumatic spinal cord injury: a retrospective cohort study from the TraumaRegister DGU®.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Numerous uncontrolled observational studies suggest that early spinal decompression and stabilization within 24 h of spinal cord injury (SCI) improve neurological recovery, forming the basis for recently published best practice guidelines. In this study, we aim to investigate current surgical practices in trauma centers across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and to elucidate trauma- and patient-related factors influencing the timing of spine surgery.

Methods

We identified patients aged 16 years or older with traumatic SCI and permanent neurological deficits from the TraumaRegister DGU^® of the German Trauma Society (2008-2022). Trauma severity was assessed using the Abbreviated Injury Scale. Patients were categorized based on the timing of spine surger

SUBMITTER: Kamradt T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12514803 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature