Kibor Lelei

Background: Traumatic spinal injuries (TSI) are a significant cause of morbidity, disability, and socioeconomic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to specialized care and rehabilitation remains limited. This study evaluated theclinical presentation, injury patterns, and management ofTSI at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret, Kenya. A prospective descriptive study was conducted among 28 patients with TSI recruited Methods: through consecutive sampling. Data collected included demographics, injury mechanisms, anatomical levels, neurological severity, associated injuries, treatment modalities, complications, and functional outcomes. Neurological assessments was performed using the ASIA Impairment Scale. Results : The mean age was 37.9 years (SD 12.4), with males comprising 85.7% of participants. Farmers (25%) and casual labourers (17.9%) were the most represented occupational groups. Falls were the leading mechanism of injury, while the lumbar spine was the most frequently affected region. Most patients (89.3%) had incomplete or no neurological impairment (ASIA D/E). Surgical intervention was performed in 67.9% of patients, with a mean time to surgery of 3.8days (SD3.22). The mean hospitalstay was 12.8days (SD10.9). Conclusion: TSI predominantly affected economically active males, with falls being the leading cause. Strengthening occupational injury prevention, prehospital spinal care, timely referral, and comprehensive rehabilitation services may improve patient management in resource-limited settings. Keywords: Traumatic spinal injuries; Spinal trauma; Neurological impairment; Surgical management;Kenya.