Fodder cutter (Tokka) injuries: A preventable morbidity

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Safety
• Trauma Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Fodder cutters (Tokka) are prevalent farm machinery in Pakistan.
• Accidents involving these machines lead to severe, often disabling, injuries, particularly among young individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the demographic data, injury patterns, and treatment outcomes of patients with fodder cutter injuries.
• To highlight the severity and impact of tokka-related trauma in an agricultural setting.

Main Methods:

• A hospital-based case series was conducted at Lahore General Hospital from June 2018 to January 2019.
• Data collected included patient demographics, injury site, surgical procedures, and post-operative outcomes for 30 cases.

Main Results:

• The study included 30 patients (23 males, 7 females) with a median age of 25 years.
• Upper limb injuries were most common (26 patients), resulting in 18 amputations (9 wrist, 9 higher), 8 stump formations, and 4 debridements.
• All patients experienced uneventful post-operative recovery.

Conclusions:

• Fodder cutter injuries pose a significant risk in Pakistan's agricultural sector, leading to severe limb trauma and amputations.
• Implementing safer machine designs and enhancing farmer safety education are essential preventive strategies.