Fall injury patterns and injury severity at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Abstract Fall injury patterns and injury severity at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. Degree Project, Programme in Medicine. Miranda Alfredsson, 2018, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. Supervisors: Prof. Göran Kurlberg and Dr. Bawantha Gamage Background: Almost 650,000 people die every year because of falls, a number increasing worldwide. Over 80% occur in low and middle-income countries. In Sri Lanka about 3% of all deaths due to traumatic injuries are caused by falls. Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the panorama of fall injuries in patients attending the Accident Service Unit of Colombo South Teaching Hospital, including patient demographics and injury patterns in order to suggest preventive measures. Method: This was a cross-sectional observational study performed at the Accident Service Unit of Colombo South Teaching Hospital September – October 2018. 342 patients were interviewed with a questionnaire. Data was collected on demographics, trauma mechanism and injury patterns. Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and New Injury Severity Score (NISS) were used to evaluate and summarize the patients’ injuries. Results: 479 injuries were recorded, 63% minor injuries with AIS 1. All injuries, but two, were graded AIS 1-3. The most common injuries were superficial/bruise/abrasion and fracture. There were differences between the genders and trauma mechanism, males have more than two times higher risk of falling from height than females. The majority of falls from height among males, were work-related. In general, the severity of the injuries among the patients were mild measured with NISS. Males aged 18-64 years had more severe injuries after fallen from high levels. Patients >85 years achieved significantly more severe injuries than younger patients. Conclusions: Working men 18-64 years have a higher risk of falling from height and sustain severe injuries. Also, elderly people of both genders with ground level falls present with more advanced injuries. Many of these injuries could be prevented by appropriate information to the public and preventive measures of the risk groups.