Multiple non-contiguous injuries of the spine.

Forty-seven patients with multiple non-contiguous injuries of the spine were reviewed retrospectively, giving an incidence of 5.4 per cent of 875 spinal injuries. Thirty-three were men and 14 women with an age range of between 16 and 78 years. Twenty-three were treated operatively. The multiple non-contiguous injuries had a more complicated mechanism of injury and tended to be more severe injuries than single-level injuries as they were combined more frequently with injuries of other parts of the body. Being aware of this combination of injuries leads to an earlier diagnosis. Operative reconstruction is recommended.