Pattern of limb fractures among rta patients attending the emergency department in gmc jammu j&k- a retrospective study

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern of limb injuries in road traffic accident patients. Methods: This study is a retrospective study of patients who had sustained a road traffic accident and have attended the emergency department of Government Medical College Jammu from June 2013 to Dec 2014, showing relevant clinical information including age, gender, bone fractured, site of fracture (upper 3rd, middle 3rd, lower 3rd), side involved (Right, left), fracture pattern, open or closed fracture and any associated injuries (Head injury, Chest injury, abdominal injury, vascular injury and Nerve injuries). Data obtained were analyzed in frequencies. Results: During the 18 months study period, 1222 injured patients were seen in the emergency department. Out of these 826 (67.5%) patients were confirmed cases of fracture. Majority of fractures were seen in lower limb. In patients with confirmed fracture cases most (69.7%) were closed fracture and remaining (30.2%) were open fractures. The majority of patients were in the 3rd and 4th decades. Males were involved more than females (1.83:1). Femur was the most common individual fractured bone. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents (RTA) were observed to be the leading cause of bone fractures especially in individuals in their 3rd and 4th decades of life, constituting most of its victims. Males were observed to be predominantly involved with the lower extremity the most affected site of bone fractures. A large proportion of these patients have associated visceral injuries with high morbidity and mortality, therefore various strategies for prevention, early recognition and treatment of injuries due to road traffic are required for optimal outcome.