Prevalence and risk factor analysis of constipation after thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures

Abstract

Objective: 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.