Major limb trauma in Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Disability following road traffic accident is expected to increase dramatically in developing countries resulting in a decline in the size of the labour force. Adolescents and young adults are at the greatest risk of limb injury resulting from road traffic accidents. The objective of the study was to identify patterns of major limb trauma based on the definition given by the WHO scientific group.

Methods: This audit was conducted by the author who recorded the relevant findings on every patient that was referred to the orthopaedic department between October 1^st 2004 and April 31^st 2007.

Results: The results of a two and a half year audit (2004 -2007) made in the Eastern Ethiopia are reported. During this period a total of 1487 patients were managed in our orthopaedic department, of whom 1248 had suffered major limb trauma. Of these 1012 were males (68%) and 475 females (32%) giving a ratio of approximately 2 to 1. The majority 883 (70%) were between the age of 15 and 54 years. Fractures formed the largest group 1044 (83%), followed by amputation 68 (6%), open wounds 58 (5%), dislocation 52 (4%), crush injuries 10 (0.8%) and neurovascular injuries 16 (1%). There were no cases of burns to the extremities in the study period. The commonest causes of injury were road traffic accident (RTA’s) 533 (43%), a fall in 444 (35%), machine and tools in 246 (20%). Suggestions are made as how best to reduce the size of this problem.