Vol. 11, Issue 4 (2025)

The severity of Cervical Spine Injuries (CSIs) lies in the spinal cord damage, which can be life-threatening. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, injury-related, and prognostic aspects of CSIs admitted to the Omar Bongo Ondimba Military Teaching Hospital (HIAOBO).
Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in the orthopedic and trauma surgery department of the Omar Bongo Ondimba Military Teaching Hospital (HIAOBO). The study took place from January 2020 to December 2022.
Inclusion criteria were all patients admitted for traumatic brain injury (TBI) with complete clinical and radiological records. Exclusion criteria were incomplete records, patients with associated injuries, or patients lost to follow-up. The severity of neurological involvement was assessed using the Frankel score.
Results: The study included 18 cases. The mean age was 38.4 years (32-54). There was a male predominance (N=13), with a ratio of 2.6. The most common cause of injury was road traffic accidents (N=12). Upon admission, 7 patients were classified as Frankel A or B. The injuries were primarily dislocations (N​=11) and sprains (N​= 5). These injuries were limited to the lower spine. The average time to treatment was 4.7 hours (2-70). Treatment was non-operative for sprains and surgical for 9 dislocations. Arthrodesis was performed using an iliac crest bone graft and plate fixation in 7 patients. The other 2 underwent the standard surgical protocol without plate fixation. Rehabilitation was systematic. Patients initially classified as C and D recovered from their neurological deficits. The observed complications were genital dysfunction and pressure ulcers.
Conclusion: The effectiveness of TRC management relies on reducing preoperative delays, rehabilitation, and, above all, addressing neurological impairment.