Analysis of Medical Rehabilitation Needs of 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Victims: Adıyaman Example

Natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, result in numerous injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, limb amputations, fractures, and peripheral nerve injuries. This study aimed to investigate the types of orthopedic injuries sustained by earthquake survivors who require long-term rehabilitation, as well as to assess the rehabilitation programs, orthoses, prostheses, and assistive devices employed.

This descriptive analysis was conducted at a physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic. Data on earthquake survivors were recorded retrospectively. The study included survivors who presented to the clinic between April 15, 2023, and May 1, 2024, with injuries sustained during the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023. The types of orthopedic injuries, rehabilitation programs, and orthoses-prostheses used were documented.

Data from 223 earthquake survivors were analyzed. Among these, 97 (43.5%) had compartment syndrome, 65 (29.1%) had amputations, 57 (25.6%) had fractures, 20 (9%) had peripheral nerve injuries, 12 (5.4%) had soft tissue injuries, and two (0.9%) had dislocations. Physiotherapy was provided to 211 (94.6%) patients, occupational therapy to 56 (25.1%), amputation rehabilitation to 65 (29.1%), and electrotherapy to 12 (5.3%). Prostheses were fitted for 37 (16.5%) amputees, orthoses were used by 57 (25.6%) patients, and 103 (46.1%) required assistive devices.

Among earthquake-related injuries requiring medical rehabilitation, compartment syndrome was the most common. The rehabilitation process of patients who developed compartment syndrome and amputation continues 1 year after the earthquake. Adults were the most frequently affected age group. The data obtained in this study will help plan local health services to coordinate medical rehabilitation in earthquakes.