The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene: Orthopedic Injury Epidemiology at a Level I Trauma Center

Hurricane Helene was one of the most devastating natural disasters in US history, with 249 known fatalities and damages exceeding US$75 billion. This study evaluates the impact of Hurricane Helene on orthopedic injury epidemiology and patterns at a level I trauma center.

A retrospective review was conducted of consultations fielded by the orthopedic surgery department at a level I trauma center in Augusta, Georgia, during the 30 days pre- (August 28-September 26, 2024) and post-Hurricane Helene (September 27-October 26, 2024). Demographics, injury characteristics (mechanism, location, and type), and surgical intervention rates were collected. Pearson χ² and Fisher exact statistical analyses were performed to evaluate alterations in rates and injury patterns between the groups.

In total, 466 patient consultations were evaluated; 535 orthopedic injuries were identified: 268 pre- and 267 post-Helene. Seventeen percent (47/267) of post-Helene injuries were directly related to the hurricane. There was a significant increase in high-energy trauma (37.7% vs 51.3%, P=0.005), supported by more frequent open fractures (4.9% vs 11.6%, P=0.007), an increase in chainsaw-related injuries (0% vs 5.6%, P=0.001), and an increase in injuries related to tree removal (0% vs 4.9%, P=0.001). There was a decrease in blunt/crush injuries (7.5% vs 3%, P=0.020), as well as surgical site infections (4.5% vs 1.5%, P=0.43) and postoperative/treatment complications (5.2% vs 1.9%, P=0.036). Surgical intervention rates remained unchanged (34.7% vs 36.5%, P=0.236), as did injury locations-upper extremity, lower extremity, and axial skeleton (P=0.497).

Hurricane Helene significantly altered orthopedic injury patterns in Augusta, Georgia, with increased incidence of high-energy trauma, open fractures, and tree- and chainsaw-related injuries treated at a level I trauma center. There also was a decrease in surgical site infections and postoperative complications.