The Veracity of Traumatic Spinal Cord and Related Nerve Injuries in a Developing Country: The Cyprus Case Study

Background and Aim: This is a retrospective epidemiological study, based on ICD-10 system, using statistical data from the Cyprus Statistical Service official archives. To estimate the spinal cord injury incidence and its characteristics like gender preference and hospitalization, in Cyprus people, over a 10-year period of time. The study investigated cases that have occurred within the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Methods and Materials/Patients: The data from the Cyprus Statistical Service official archives were reviewed based upon the ICD-10 searching, using annual reports, from 2005 to 2014. The extracted information included the number of hospitalized patients, using ICD-10 codes S14, S24 and S34, sex and days of hospitalization. In order to report the incidence rates, we used the Cyprus Statistical Service official demographic data. Results: The Mean Spinal Cord and the related Nerves Injury (SCI and NI) incidence was calculated to be 0.24%. The Mean SCI & NI male incidence was 0.158 %. The Mean SCI and NI female incidence was 0.076 %. There were 2.8 days of hospitalization per every SCI and NI patient per year. Conclusion: Based on the study results, it seems advisable to have a National Spine and Spinal Cord Injury registry, in order that different parameters be correlated in a more effective way. The study highlights the need for a well-organized trauma and rehabilitation center which would be of great benefit for the health system of the country. Furthermore, this information can be useful in future health economic studies related to the SCI and NI.