[Epidemiologic analysis of spinal injuries resulting from high falls].

A series of 1365 patients treated between 1965 and 1987 because of spine injury resulting from the fall from the height was analysed. A fall from the height may cause hyperflexion, axial loading or hyperextension type of injury. Hyperflexion injury occurs usually after fall from horsedrawn wagon, scaffold, roof or pillar. Axial loading injuries dominate in falls from the ladder, tree, suicidal jumps and falls from lower height. There is remarkable correlation among the height of the fall, degree of nervous system injury and results of management.