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This study analyzed 2571 fractures and 189 dislocations, finding upper limb injuries most common. Despite good outcomes, malunion was a frequent complication in trauma patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Research
- Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Background:
- Fractures and dislocations are common injuries, particularly among males and children.
- Falls and road traffic accidents are primary causes of skeletal trauma.
- Understanding injury patterns and demographics is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively analyze a large cohort of patients with fractures and dislocations.
- To identify demographic trends, injury mechanisms, and affected skeletal regions.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes, complications, and prognostic factors.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 2579 consecutive patients presenting with 2571 fractures and 189 dislocations.
- Data collection included patient demographics, injury mechanisms, fracture locations, and treatment modalities.
- Analysis of surgical intervention rates and complication profiles, including malunion.
Main Results:
- Males and children under 10 years old were the predominant demographic groups.
- Upper limb fractures were more frequent than lower limb or axial skeleton injuries.
- Africans showed higher rates of femur shaft fractures and lower rates of femur neck fractures compared to Caucasians. Shoulder and elbow dislocations were most common.
- Open operations were performed in only 11.4% of patients.
- Prognosis for survival and function was generally very good, with malunion being the most common complication.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights key demographic and etiological factors in skeletal trauma.
- Upper limb fractures and shoulder/elbow dislocations represent significant injury burdens.
- While functional outcomes are favorable, vigilance for malunion is essential in managing fracture and dislocation patients.
Abstract:
A consecutive series of 2579 patients with 2571 fractures and 189 dislocations was studied prospectively. Males and children, especially under 10 years of age, predominated. The majority of the injuries resulted from falls either in the home or outdoors and from road traffic accidents. Fractures occurred more commonly in the upper limb than in the lower limb or the axial skeleton. Fractures of the shaft of the femur were three times more common, while fractures of the neck of the femur were less common by the same factor, in Africans than in Caucasians. Dislocations were commonest at the shoulder and elbow. Only 11.4 per cent of the patients had open operations. The prognosis as regards survival and functional results was very good, but malunion was the most common complication.