Overview of Cervical Spine Injuries Caused by Diving Into Shallow Water on Jeju Island: A 9-Year Retrospective Study in a Regional Trauma Center.

Abstract

Objective: Shallow water diving-related spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are a significant cause of cervical spine trauma, particularly in younger individuals. This study retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of patients with SCI caused by shallow-water diving accidents at a regional trauma center on Jeju Island, South Korea. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the timing of treatment, injury characteristics, and prognosis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients with cervical SCI resulting from shallow-water diving injuries admitted to the trauma center over a 9-year period. The data were obtained from medical records and neurological outcomes were measured using the American Spinal Injury Association scale. Statistical analyses, including correlation and multiple regression analyses, were performed to identify factors influencing prognosis.

Results: Thirty-four patients with cervical SCI resulting from shallow-water diving were included in this study. No statistically significant correlation was found between surgical timing and prognosis; however, significant correlations with prognosis were identified for mean canal compromise (MCC), mean spinal cord compression, and lesion length. In the multiple regression analysis, higher MCC and severe SCI, particularly hemorrhagic injury, were associated with prognosis. The mean time from injury to surgery was 1.25 days.

Conclusion: This study indicates that, specifically for patients with a higher MCC but less severe SCI, appropriate and more rapid intervention may improve prognosis. However, further large-scale studies are required to clarify the favorable factors and their role in achieving a good prognosis.