Prospective analytical study of pattern of injuries in fatal cases of accidental fallautopsy conducted at Madurai Medical College

Falls account for 11% of accidental injury deaths worldwide. 1/5th of global fall related deaths occurred in India. OBJECTIVE: To study the pattern of injuries in the victims of various level of accidental falls. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective Analytical descriptive study design. MATERIALS & METHODS: All victims of accidental falls who were autopsied at the mortuary of Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai Medical College, Madurai from January 2016 & December 2016 were included in the study. RESULTS: • 210 people died due to accidental falls in the study period. The incidence of accidental fall for the year 2016 was 6.16% of which 54.8% were Ground level falls and 45.2% fall from height. There was a marked male preponderance in victims of both ground level falls & fall from height. • Most Vulnerable age group in ground level fall was 61-70 years and in fall from height 21-30 years age group. • Head injury was the commonest injury in both type of accidental falls and subdural hematoma was the commonly observed lesion. CONCLUSION: Elderly age group more vulnerable to death in ground level falls and working middle age group people vulnerable to fall from height in working places. Adequate preventive measures can prevent mortality due to accidental falls