The impact of alcohol ingestion on the orthopaedic and accident service

There is a well recognized association between the ingestion of alcohol and trauma. The incidence of orthopaedic injuries related to alcohol ingestion and requiring admission has not previously been reported. In a pilot study from the Royal Liverpool Hospital we found that in 22.4% of patients requiring admission, alcohol had been consumed prior to the accident. The incidence of spinal and ankle fractures was higher in the inebriated patients and the circumstances of their injuries differed from those who were sober. Injuries following drinking occurred mainly in young and middle aged males. We discuss simple methods of recognising problem drinking among accident and orthopaedic patients.