Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40788490›Full record

ArticleEuropean spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society2025

Global, regional, and National burdens of cervical spinal cord injuries from 1990 to 2021, findings from global burden of disease study 2021.

Kan Wang, Qiqi Wu, Meng-Qi Chen, Chen Jiang, Zhanfei Li

Abstract readComparative Study
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. miR-24-3p promotes spinal cord injury repair in rats by inhibiting ferroptosisNan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University · 2026
    Article
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Kan Wang *Trauma Center/Department of Emergency and Traumatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Qiqi Wu *Trauma Center/Department of Emergency and Traumatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Meng-Qi Chen *Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Chen JiangDepartment of Nutrition, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. cheng19950214@163.com.
Zhanfei LiTrauma Center/Department of Emergency and Traumatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. lzftrauma@163.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSpinal cord injuries (SCI) are major contributors to global disability, with high incidence rates, substantial medical costs, and profound long-term impacts. Cervical spinal cord injuries (cSCI), in particular, lead to severe outcomes, making them a critical public health challenge. While the rising global burden of SCI, including cSCI, is well-known, comprehensive and updated epidemiological studies specifically focused on cSCI, especially those that project future trends and analyze regional disparities, remain limited. This study aims to provide novel insights into the evolving burden of cSCI by offering an updated, global analysis using the most recent data and advanced modeling techniques.

methodsWe used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database to analyze the incidence, prevalence, and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) of cSCI from 1990 to 2021 across 204 countries and territories. The DisMod-MR 2.1 Bayesian meta-regression tool was employed to estimate the burden of cSCI, while inequality analyses were conducted using the Gini coefficient and concentration index. Risk factor attribution was performed using the Comparative Risk Assessment framework. Additionally, Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) analysis was used to predict the future burden of cSCI to 2045.

resultsWhile the global incidence of cSCI has increased from 249,122 cases (95% CI: 183,942 to 345,205) in 1990 to 306,568 cases (95% CI: 216,989 to 456,717) in 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) has decreased from 4.88 to 3.78 per 100,000 population. This decrease, despite rising absolute numbers, reflects known factors such as improvements in trauma prevention, healthcare access, and better management of degenerative conditions. Regional disparities in cSCI burden and the influence of socio-economic and healthcare inequalities have been highlighted, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Predictive modeling suggests a continued rise in cSCI incidence, particularly in regions with expanding aging populations.

conclusionThis study provides a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of the global burden of cSCI, including regional disparities and future projections. The findings highlight the urgent need for tailored healthcare interventions and resource allocation strategies, particularly in regions with limited healthcare access. By identifying high-risk populations and regions, this study offers critical insights that can inform future public health policies and interventions to mitigate the growing burden of cSCI.

Indexed as

Cervical CordCost of IllnessGlobal Burden of DiseaseSpinal Cord InjuriesAdolescentAdultAgedAged, 80 and overCervical VertebraeChildChild, PreschoolDisability-Adjusted Life YearsFemaleHealthcare DisparitiesHealth PolicyHealth Services AccessibilityBAPC predictive modelingBurdensCervical spinal cord injuriesGlobal burden of disease (GBD 2021)Risk factorsSocio-demographic index (SDI)

Identifiers

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.