Comparison of epidemiology, methods, and results of treatment in cervical spinal injuries over the last 20 years in Poland.

This report presents a comparative analysis of two groups of patients with cervical spine injuries admitted to hospital in the early post-traumatic period, treated between 1965 and 1970 and between 1985 and 1990. The involvement of patients from rural and town areas equalized due mainly to the increased incidence of road accidents and decreased incidence of injuries following falls from a horse-cart. Wider implementation of surgical methods improved the outcomes and shortened the hospitalization time.