Treatment of Subaxial Cervical Spine Injuries at the University Hospital Center of Brazzaville, Congo

Background and Aim: Spinal cord trauma is a public health problem. The subaxial cervical spine is the most frequent seat of such injuries. This study aims to describe the treatment of subaxial cervical spine injuries at the University Hospital Center of Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo. Methods and Materials/Patients: This descriptive study was conducted for 7 years, from 2015 to 2021 in the Department of Multipurpose Surgery at the University Hospital Center of Brazzaville, Congo. The research included all patients hospitalized for subaxial cervical spine injury. The surgery was performed on 32 cases (53.3%). Results: A total of 90 cases with subaxial cervical spine injuries were reported with a frequency of 3.2% and included 60 cases. The median age was 37 years and the sex ratio (male/female) of 3.6. The trauma was because of a road accident in 68.3% of the cases. The affected vertebral level was C5-C6 in 18 cases (30%). It was a luxation in 30% and fracture luxation in 26.7% of the subjects. Surgery was indicated in 51 patients and 32(53.3%) were operated. The median time between admission and surgery was 288 hours. A total of 31(96.9%) cases were operated by the anterior approach alone. Anterior osteosynthesis was performed in all cases. Meanwhile, 18(56.3%) cases had a favorable evolution, 7(21.9%) had a worsening of the deficit, 5(15.6%) experienced a postoperative infection, 5(15.6%) showed deep pressure ulcers, and 7(22%) cases died. In both univariate and multivariate analysis, an unfavorable American Spine Injury Association score (between A and B) was associated with the occurrence of complications with a significant statistical difference (P<0.05). Conclusion: Therapeutic care is delayed due to insufficient financial means for patients who lack health insurance. The surgery consists of neural decompression, arthrodesis then osteosynthesis, particularly by an anterior approach.