Prevalence and Risk Factor Analysis of Constipation After Thoracolumbar Vertebral Compression Fractures

Heng Yin,1,&ast; Gaoxiang Wang,2,&ast; Jianwei Wang,1 Yong Ma,2 Mao Wu,1 Songming Qiu,2 Qiuju Su3 1Department of Orthopedics Wuxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, 214071, People’s Republic of China; 2Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Rehabilitation & Acupuncture, Wuxi People’s Hospital Affiliated Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Qiuju SuDepartment of Rehabilitation & Acupuncture, Wuxi People’s Hospital Affiliated Nanjing Medical University, No. 299 of Qingyang Road, Wuxi, 214023, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 15 9618 17218Fax +86 510-8270 0775Email suqiuju_336@163.comObjective: To analyze the prevalence and risk factors of constipation after thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures (TVCFs).Methods: This retrospective study reviews the records of patients hospitalized between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 with TVCFs. A total of 117 patient’s records are included (n = 117). Univariate and multivariate analysis using the logistic regression method are carried out to identify the prevalence and potential risk factors for constipation after TVCF, including gender, age, number of fractured vertebrae, major segment of vertebral fracture, degree of compression, use of painkillers, diabetes, and the intervention of Zengyechengqi decoction.Results: Among the 117 patients with TVCFs that were included in this study, 83 (70.9%) patients developed constipation. Univariate analysis showed that the factors of degree of vertebral compression and the preintervention of Zengyechengqi decoction had statistically significant effects on the incidence of constipation after TVCF (P < 0.05), indicating that they might contribute to the incidence of constipation after TVCF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that degree of vertebral compression was a risk factor (P < 0.05), while preintervention of Zengyechengqi decoction was a protective factor (P < 0.05), for constipation after TVCF.Conclusion: Patients with vertebral fractures featuring a higher degree of compression may have a higher risk of constipation. Preintervention of Zengyechengqi decoction can reduce the incidence of constipation after TVCF.Keywords: constipation, degree of vertebral compression, risk factors, thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures, Zengyechengqi decoction