Epidemiology of traumatic fractures in a tertiary health center in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The incidence of fractures from trauma is increasing due to increase in means of transportation, poor roads and disobedience of road safety laws. Adequate knowledge about the involvement of different parts of the body in trauma will aid planning towards management of these fractures. Aim: This is to show the etiology and frequency of the affected bone of the body by trauma, which can serve as a template for future health care planning and delivery. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study in which data from all patients that presented at the accident and emergency unit of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital with fractures, from January 2012 to December 2012 were analyzed. Results: During the study period, a total of 401 fractures in 334 patients were seen. Isolated fractures were seen in 227 patients, while 107 patients had multiple fractures. Male to female ratio was 2.8 : 1, the mean age was 34.2 ± 5.4 years. The commonest bone fractured was the Tibia which accounted for 25% (100 cases). The commonest form of trauma causing these fractures was motor vehicle crash which accounted for 75.6% (303 cases). Conclusion: Prevention of road traffic accident by provision of good roads and enforcement of road safety laws will reduce fractures significantly.

Keywords

• economic
• fractures
• injury