Spinal cord injury due to fall from electricity poles after electrocution

Objective: The objective of this study was to report epidemiology, complications and rehabilitation outcomes of patients who sustained spinal cord injury (SCI) due to fall from electricity poles after electrocution.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in which patients admitted to Paraplegic Centre Peshawar from July 2016 to July 2018 who sustained SCI due to fall from electricity poles after electrocution were included. Of total 852 patients, 39 (4.58%) sustained SCI due to fall from electricity poles after electrocution. Two patients were excluded and data of 37 patients was analyzed.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 35.03±13.47 years. Twenty-two (59.4%) patients had associated burns on different parts of body. Twenty-seven (72.9%) had pressure ulcers, 31 (83.8%) had spasticity, 18 (48.6%) had neuropathic pain and 2 (5.4%) had limb amputations due to injury. Mean Spinal cord injury independence measure score at the time of discharge was 53.4±5.7.

Conclusion: SCI due to fall from electricity poles after electrocution is rare however combined effect of injury by electricity along with fall from electricity poles are associated with severe complications. Rehabilitation outcomes in these patients are also minimal.