Main Article Content
Pattern of Grinding Machine Injuries as seen in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To highlight the severity and complications of grinding machine injuries. To design a treatment protocol that may become a model for future management of grinding machine injuries and find ways of preventing them.
PATIENTS: Over a seven-year period, 135 patients who had grinding machine injuries were referred to the orthopedic unit. The mean age of the patients was 15.72 (+1.2) years. Most of the patients were young, 20 years and below. Female patients were below fifteen years of age. These injuries were rare in older age group. The patients were either operators or those who patronize the mill.
METHODS: The orthopedic unit managed only musculosketal, grinding machine injuries. These injuries were managed with a particular treatment protocol that emphasizes early anti tetanus and antibiotic prophylaxis. Lacerations were sutured but if the edges of the wound were ragged suturing was delayed. Open fractures were managed by external fixation. Traumatic amputations were re-fashioned.
RESULT: This treatment protocol was cheap and affordable because most of the components were obtainable locally. his made it possible for most of the patients to stay in hospital and receive adequate treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: Public enlightenment and safer models of the grinding machine will reduce these injuries. A larger group of patients will be require to make the outcome of this proposed treatment protocol more convincing
Nigerian Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma Vol.3(2) 2004: 170-175
PATIENTS: Over a seven-year period, 135 patients who had grinding machine injuries were referred to the orthopedic unit. The mean age of the patients was 15.72 (+1.2) years. Most of the patients were young, 20 years and below. Female patients were below fifteen years of age. These injuries were rare in older age group. The patients were either operators or those who patronize the mill.
METHODS: The orthopedic unit managed only musculosketal, grinding machine injuries. These injuries were managed with a particular treatment protocol that emphasizes early anti tetanus and antibiotic prophylaxis. Lacerations were sutured but if the edges of the wound were ragged suturing was delayed. Open fractures were managed by external fixation. Traumatic amputations were re-fashioned.
RESULT: This treatment protocol was cheap and affordable because most of the components were obtainable locally. his made it possible for most of the patients to stay in hospital and receive adequate treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: Public enlightenment and safer models of the grinding machine will reduce these injuries. A larger group of patients will be require to make the outcome of this proposed treatment protocol more convincing
Nigerian Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma Vol.3(2) 2004: 170-175
