Knowledge of Spinal Cord Anatomy Among Healthcare Workers Managing Spinal Injury at Trauma Centres in Rivers State

Acute traumatic spinal cord injury demands immediate and accurate clinical management to prevent secondary neurological deterioration. Effective prehospital immobilisation, clinical assessment, and surgical triage depend on healthcare workers having a sound understanding of spinal cord anatomy, dermatome and myotome distribution, and the ASIA impairment classification. In a state with high road traffic accident rates, such as Rivers State, the quality of spinal injury management at primary trauma centres is a critical determinant of long-term patient outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of spinal cord anatomy and acute spinal injury management among healthcare workers at designated trauma centres in Rivers State, South South Nigeria. A validated questionnaire covering spinal anatomy, neurological level determination, and immobilisation principles will be administered to doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists. Data will be stratified by cadre and facility type. The study anticipates identifying critical knowledge deficits that, if addressed through targeted anatomy training, could reduce the rate of secondary spinal cord injury in Rivers State and provide a model for spinal trauma education improvements at trauma centres across the South South zone.

Keywords: spinal cord injury, trauma management, neuroanatomy knowledge, Rivers State, healthcare workers