Epidemiological characteristics of thoracolumbar fractures from 2014 to 2019 in Shanxi, China

Abstract

Background: We aimed to clarify the epidemiological characteristics of thoracolumbar fractures (TLFs) at Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, China. Methods: A total of 1,096 patients with TLF between January 2014 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Epidemiological characteristics (year, age, sex, marital status, occupation, injury level, etiology, fracture type, and American Spinal Injury Association ASIA impairment scale [AIS] grade) in medical records were extracted and analyzed.Results: The number of TLF cases increased between 2014 and 2019. More than half of the patients were between 40 and 75 years old. The most common fracture level was L1, with compression as the most common injury type. A total of 137 patients (12.5%) experienced spinal cord injury. The primary cause of fracture was a “low fall”, and farmers were most vulnerable. Epidemiological characteristics (age, year, etiology, fracture type, occupation, and spinal cord injury) were quite different between males and females. In patients with spinal cord injury, the most frequent age group was 46–60 years old. Again, the primary fracture level was L1, and the most common occupation was farmer. However, with this group, the primary fracture type was burst, and the main etiology was “high fall”.Conclusions: The number of patients with TLF increases with social development. The epidemiological profiles between sexes were quite different. Preventions and government regulations should be implemented to reduce the incidence of TLF, according to the epidemiological profiles of men and women.

Clinical Efficacy of Kangguzeng Capsule Combined with Basic Anti Osteoporosis Drugs in the Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

“…Studies have shown that the proportion of women with thoracolumbar compression fractures is higher than that of men, and is younger than that of men. It tends to occur at the age of 60 ~ 69, while the majority of men are at the age of 70 ~ 79 [4]. The research shows that the incidence of OVCF in China has increased step by step in recent years [5].…”

“…(1) meet the diagnostic criteria of postmenopausal osteoporosis, TCM syndrome differentiation meets the type of kidney deficiency and blood stasis, and has typical clinical manifestations of osteoporosis; (2) Natural menopause time ≥ 1 year; (3) No anti osteoporosis drug treatment and no drugs affecting bone metabolism have been used in recent 6 months; (4) No other diseases affecting the study, such as endocrine system, digestive system and spirit; (5) No obvious contraindications; (6) Good compliance, with treatment and follow-up; (7) Voluntarily sign relevant informed documents and agree to accept this study.…”