35 m Vertical Free Fall: How Impact Surface Influences Survival

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• High-rise construction work presents significant fall risks.
• Accidental falls from height can lead to severe, multi-system polytrauma.
• Survival depends on impact attenuation and rapid medical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of survival after a 13-story fall.
• To detail the management of complex polytrauma from a significant fall.
• To highlight the long-term neurological sequelae despite initial physical recovery.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 23-year-old male construction worker.
• Description of fall mechanism and impact attenuation by a toilet container.
• Surgical and non-surgical management of intra-abdominal and thoracic injuries.
• Stabilization of a thoracic vertebral fracture.
• Post-trauma neurological and functional assessment.

Main Results:

• Patient survived a 13-story fall with survival aided by impact attenuation.
• Sustained central spleen rupture, liver laceration, subdural hematoma, thoracic trauma, and vertebral fracture.
• Underwent emergency surgery for abdominal injuries and later spinal fixation.
• Experienced cerebral affection with general slowdown post-extubation.
• Discharged after 21 days with residual cognitive deficits impacting daily abilities.

Conclusions:

• Survival from extreme falls is possible with effective impact attenuation.
• Polytrauma management requires a multidisciplinary approach.
• Long-term cognitive deficits can persist despite physical recovery in severe trauma patients.