Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
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Medical Student
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Medical Student
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Medical Student
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Medical Student
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Medical Student
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Research/Clinical
Abstract
Background: Pediatric populations are particularly vulnerable to spinal cord injuries (SCI) due to several anatomical factors, including a larger head-to-torso ratio, more flexible ligaments, and relatively weaker neck muscles. These factors contribute to a 2.5-fold higher incidence of atlanto-axial injuries in children compared to adults. While data shows how access to trauma centers significantly impacts SCI outcomes, there is limited research on the most common trends in pediatric SCI. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining causative trends in SCI and exploring potential prevention strategies for high-risk groups.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a publicly available trauma dataset from the Department of State Health Services in Texas from 2018 to 2022, focusing on pediatric patients aged 0-17 with SCI (cervical, lumbar and thoracic), identified using ICD-10 codes for the cause of injury. The analysis evaluated demographics (e.g., age, ethnicity, race), type of care (e.g., hospital disposition), location of injury (e.g., 3-digit zip code), and payment method (e.g., private insurance). Data were analyzed in R, and chi-square tests were performed to examine associations between variables.
Results: We observed a significant increase in SCI in males compared to females and among White individuals compared to other racial/ethnic groups. SCI incidence was elevated in teens relative to children. Motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of SCI (33%), followed by falls (15%) and contact-related injuries (12%). Most patients were discharged home without services, followed by inpatient rehabilitation. Most SCI injuries were Cervical (51%), followed by Thoracic (27%) and Lumbar (22%).
Conclusion: Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) continue to be the leading cause of SCI in the pediatric population, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety education and targeted interventions. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable road users due to their unique physical, developmental, and behavioral characteristics. The increased frequency of collisions in 2022, potentially linked to heightened driving activity post-pandemic, further emphasizes the importance of addressing transportation safety. Research has shown that extramural programs implemented at high school may lead to a 37% reduction in adolescent motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) over three years (from 166 to 105, p < 0.05), while the control group saw a 12% increase. To reduce MVA-related harm and protect this at-risk group, public education initiatives and traffic safety measures must be strengthened. For example, while Texas has available programs, like “Impact Teen Drivers,", no research currently indicates the measurable impact of such free programs. Future research should focus on pediatric safety protocols, risk factors, and long-term outcomes of spinal cord injuries.
Recommended Citation
Elizondo, Victoria; Bonilla, Paul; Salinas, Daniel; Murambadoro, Anesu Karen; Garcia Valdez, Kevin; Martin, Blake; and Baker, Kelsey, "Trends and Prevention Strategies in Pediatric Spinal Cord Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis of Trauma Data from Texas" (2025). Research Symposium. 172.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/172
Included in
Trends and Prevention Strategies in Pediatric Spinal Cord Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis of Trauma Data from Texas
Background: Pediatric populations are particularly vulnerable to spinal cord injuries (SCI) due to several anatomical factors, including a larger head-to-torso ratio, more flexible ligaments, and relatively weaker neck muscles. These factors contribute to a 2.5-fold higher incidence of atlanto-axial injuries in children compared to adults. While data shows how access to trauma centers significantly impacts SCI outcomes, there is limited research on the most common trends in pediatric SCI. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining causative trends in SCI and exploring potential prevention strategies for high-risk groups.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a publicly available trauma dataset from the Department of State Health Services in Texas from 2018 to 2022, focusing on pediatric patients aged 0-17 with SCI (cervical, lumbar and thoracic), identified using ICD-10 codes for the cause of injury. The analysis evaluated demographics (e.g., age, ethnicity, race), type of care (e.g., hospital disposition), location of injury (e.g., 3-digit zip code), and payment method (e.g., private insurance). Data were analyzed in R, and chi-square tests were performed to examine associations between variables.
Results: We observed a significant increase in SCI in males compared to females and among White individuals compared to other racial/ethnic groups. SCI incidence was elevated in teens relative to children. Motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of SCI (33%), followed by falls (15%) and contact-related injuries (12%). Most patients were discharged home without services, followed by inpatient rehabilitation. Most SCI injuries were Cervical (51%), followed by Thoracic (27%) and Lumbar (22%).
Conclusion: Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) continue to be the leading cause of SCI in the pediatric population, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety education and targeted interventions. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable road users due to their unique physical, developmental, and behavioral characteristics. The increased frequency of collisions in 2022, potentially linked to heightened driving activity post-pandemic, further emphasizes the importance of addressing transportation safety. Research has shown that extramural programs implemented at high school may lead to a 37% reduction in adolescent motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) over three years (from 166 to 105, p < 0.05), while the control group saw a 12% increase. To reduce MVA-related harm and protect this at-risk group, public education initiatives and traffic safety measures must be strengthened. For example, while Texas has available programs, like “Impact Teen Drivers,", no research currently indicates the measurable impact of such free programs. Future research should focus on pediatric safety protocols, risk factors, and long-term outcomes of spinal cord injuries.
