UNASSIGNED: Early decompression may improve neurological outcome after @entity1566 ( @entity1566 ), but is often difficult to achieve because of logistical issues. The aims of this study were to 1) determine the time to decompression in cases of isolated cervical @entity1566 in Australia and New Zealand and 2) determine where substantial delays occur as @entity1 move from the accident scene to surgery. Data were extracted from medical records of @entity1 aged 15-70 years with C3-T1 traumatic @entity1566 between 2010 and 2013. A total of 192 @entity1 were included. The median time from accident scene to decompression was 21   h, with the fastest times associated with closed reduction (6   h). A significant decrease in the time to decompression occurred from 2010 (31   h) to 2013 (19   h, p   =   0.008). @entity1 undergoing direct surgical hospital admission had a significantly lower time to decompression, compared with @entity1 undergoing pre-surgical hospital admission (12   h vs. 26   h, p   <   0.0001). Medical stabilization and radiological investigation appeared not to influence the timing of surgery. The time taken to organize the operating theater following surgical hospital admission was a further factor delaying decompression (12.5   h). There was a relationship between the timing of decompression and the proportion of @entity1 demonstrating substantial recovery (2-3 American @entity3510 Association Impairment Scale grades). In conclusion, the time of cervical spine decompression markedly improved over the study period. Neurological recovery appeared to be promoted by rapid decompression. Direct surgical hospital admission, rapid organization of theater, and where possible, use of closed reduction, are likely to be effective strategies to reduce the time to decompression.

Early Decompression following Cervical XXXX : Examining the Process of Care from Accident Scene to Surgery.

@entity1566 :: ('MESH:D013119', 'Disease') :: ['spinal cord injury', 'SCI'] @entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients'] @entity3510 :: ('MESH:D013124', 'Disease') :: ['Spinal Injury']
@entity1566 :: (MESH:D013119,Disease) :: ['Spinal Cord Injury']
