Demographic Study of Orthopedic Trauma among Patients Attending the Accident and Emergency Department in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Abstract

Trauma causes a major burden on the health system and economy of the country. A better understanding of the epidemiology of trauma can be of great help in planning preventive and curative strategies. A total of 4834 patients of trauma presenting during 1 year were included in this observational study. Demographic profile and other related criteria were noted, and data were statistically analyzed. Male to female ratio was 5:1; most affected age group was 25-44 years in males and 45-64 years in females; 23.2% were illiterate; and professionals and students were most commonly affected. Road traffic accident (RTA), fall, and assault were the three most common causes; two wheelers were the most common accident causing vehicle. Nearly 17.7% were below poverty line and 67.6% reached hospital within 12 h. Medicolegal cases were 29.7%; only 29.3% reached hospital by ambulance and 3.72% were hemodynamically unstable. Only 3.6% received prehospital care and 16.23% were under alcohol influence. About 23.18% of RTA victims were pedestrians; city roads were the most common accident site. Head injury (25.85%) was the most common associated injury. Fractures were most common in hand (9.72%). The injury severity score (ISS) and New ISS were worse in the patients who were not using seat belt/helmet or were under influence of alcohol. The rate of death and associated injuries was also higher in this group. Trauma is a major preventable cause of mortality and morbidity mainly affecting the productive age group of the society.