A Survey Of The Injured Patients In The Emergency Room Of A Semi-Urban Hospital In South Western Nigeria

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the injury pattern among trauma patients presenting at emergency room of the hospital, and highlight the outcome of such injuries. METHOD: It was a one-year prospective study between June 2001 to May, 2002. 2122 patients were seen at the emergency room, 652 (30.7%) were treated for traumatic injuries. The mean age was 34.6+ 13.6 (SD). The male to female ratio was 2.9:1. RESULTS: Road traffic accident was the commonest cause of injury occurring in 541 patients (83%). The predominant injury was laceration in 261 patients (39.6%), then fractures in 237 patients (36.3%). Among those with fractures, 203 (85.3%) were close and 34 (14.5%) were open with lower limb fractures predominating. Lacerations were sutured in 198 patients and the remanding 63 closed secondarily. Most fractures were managed with closed manipulative reduction and application of Plaster of Paris cast. 43 had internal fixation. 259 patients (39.7%) were discharged within 24 hours, 216 patients (33.2%) admitted to the wards for further investigations and treatment, 129 (19.8%) took their discharge against medical advice, 14 (2.1%) were referred to other centres and 34 died. The mortality rate was 5.2%. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that trauma related injuries affected the productive age group of our society. The establishment of organized trauma centre was recommended. Nig Jnl Orthopaedics & Trauma Vol.2(1) 2003: 11-1