Pattern of Limb Injuries seen at the Accident and Emergency Department of the Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Limb injuries are common in our society. They may occur in isolation or incombination with injuries to other parts of the body and are usually unintentional but occasionally intentional. This study describes the pattern and causes of limb injuries seen at the accident and emergency department. Across-sectional, institution-based prospective study was conducted at the accident and emergency department of the Bowen University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ogbomoso from May 1, 2011 to July 31, 2011. A total of 100 subjects (79 males and 21 females) were recruited for the study and the mean age was 33.9 ± 17years. Road traffic injury (RTI) was the leading cause of limb injury (71.0%). Motorcycle accidents accounted for 64.8% of the RTIs. Soft tissue injury was the most common form of injury sustained (66.0%) while head injury was the commonest associated injury (60.5%).We conclude that RTI were the leading cause of injury at the accident and emergency department of BUTH. Motorcycle accidents were predominant with a preponderance of lower limb injury and associated head injury. None of the victims of motorcycle accidents used a crash helmet.