Pattern of Spine Fractures After Falling from Walnut Trees

OBJECTIVES: Different mechanisms are introduced for various kinds of spine fractures. Falls from walnut trees are a major cause of spine fracture, with a high rate of mortality and significant deficits in young male workers. The aim of this study was to define the rate of cervical fractures and pattern of fractures in falls from walnut trees and to compare with other types of falls in the literature, which seem to have different mechanisms. METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted at harvest season, from September 2011 to October 2011. Cases of falls from walnut trees referred to the emergency ward were recorded. Spine fractures were analyzed to find the pattern of fractures in falling from trees. RESULTS: Fifty cases of falling from a walnut tree were referred to the emergency ward. Fractures were detected in 7 cases, including 5 cervical fracture dislocations (10%) and 2 thoracolumbar fractures (4%). The mean age was 25 +/- 0.4. Complete spinal cord injury was found at 8 cases, and the mortality rate was 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of fractures was unique to falls from walnut trees, mainly consisting of cervical fractures with quadriplegia and a poor prognosis, and in a young group of workers, which puts a large economic burden on society.