Evaluation of Orthopedic morbidities among patients attending the Casualty Department in a Medical College Hospital

Introduction: Injuries are becoming major public health problem worldwide and since India is also passing through a major socio-demographic, epidemiological and technological transition injuries are coming up as an emerging health problem. This study was aimed at analyzing the morbidities of orthopaedic injuries among patients attending the casualty department in a medical college hospital. Material and methods: The record analysis of injured patients attending the casualty department over a 12 months period from Jan 2013 to Dec 2013 was done. The data was analyzed to know the pattern of orthopedic injuries. Results: A total of 1100 injured patients attended the casualty department were analyzed. Study showed that 880 (80%) of victims were in the age group of 11-45 years. 825 (75%) were males and 275 (25%) were females. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the most common cause of injuries being responsible for 660 victims (60%) followed by fall from height 242 (22%). Study revealed that in 770 (70%) of the victims the most common presentation of morbidity was fracture and the most common site was lower limbs in 378 (49%). Next most common site was upper limbs followed by pelvic fracture, spine fractures, facial fracture & Ribs fracture. 792 (72%) cases had simple fracture. 44 (13%) cases had various dislocations, shoulder dislocation being the most common. Most common visceral injury was head injury 198 (18%). Conclusion: Fractures were the most common pattern of orthopedic injuries, frequently associated with head injuries. Research into appropriate strategies for prevention of injuries, especially RTA is required in medical college hospital.