The impact and burden of spinal fractures in a small island state : pre-, acute, and post-COVID-19 trends from Malta

Abstract

Background: Spinal fractures represent a significant cause of morbidity, requiring both acute and long-term care. Data on their epidemiology in small state settings are limited. This study aimed to describe the population burden, clinical characteristics, and healthcare impact of spinal fractures in Malta over a five-year period.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the Hospital Activity Analysis (HAA) database of Mater Dei Hospital, Malta, between 2019 and 2024. Data included demographics, fracture type (ICD-10), length of stay (LOS), admission and discharge source, mechanism of injury, need for intensive care unit (ITU) admission, spinal cord injury, and co-morbidities. Fracture types were grouped as cervical, thoracic, lumbar single-level, or multilevel fractures. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-tests, and logistic regression were applied, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: A total of 640 spinal fractures were recorded (56% males, 44% females). Lumbar single-level fractures were most common (38%), followed by multi-level fractures (30%). Falls were the predominant mechanism (53%). While 90% were admitted directly from home, only 70% were discharged home, with 16% requiring transfer to rehabilitation. The longest LOS was for cervical single-level fractures (15.7 days, p=0.019). ITU admission was uncommon (4%), predominantly in multi-level fractures, which also had the highest spinal cord injury prevalence (36%). Co-morbidities were frequent (71%), particularly cardiovascular disease (49%). Logistic regression showed multimorbidity was positively associated with single-level fractures (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 1.04–2.67, p=0.035).

Conclusions: Spinal fractures in Malta impose a substantial burden, extending beyond acute care into rehabilitation. Falls were the leading cause, and multimorbidity significantly influenced fracture patterns. These findings underscore the need for integrated fall-prevention strategies, chronic disease management, and strengthened rehabilitation services in small-state healthcare systems.