Pattern of Injury Distribution following Fall from Height
Background: Falls from height are significant cause of trauma globally. It is defined as an event where an individual falls to the ground from an elevated level. In particular, falls from trees, buildings, and other elevated structures have been identified as a frequent cause of traumatic injuries i...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2024-07-01
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| Series: | Nigerian Journal of Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/NJM.NJM_32_24 |
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| Summary: | Background:
Falls from height are significant cause of trauma globally. It is defined as an event where an individual falls to the ground from an elevated level. In particular, falls from trees, buildings, and other elevated structures have been identified as a frequent cause of traumatic injuries in Nigeria. Mango trees are a common source of falls, as they are frequently climbed by children and adults to collect fruit.
Objectives:
The study aimed to assess the demographic distribution, injury patterns, management outcomes of patients with fall-related injuries, and to provide recommendations for the prevention of falls.
Method:
A prospective hospital-based study was carried out between September 2021 and August 2022, at the Accident and Emergency department. All patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency department with injuries resulting from a fall from height were recruited.
Results:
Majority of the patients were male (87.5%), with 50% of cases occurring in children under the age of 10 years. Most falls occurred from mango trees with 62.5% of incidents. Long bone fractures were the most frequently sustained injury (50%), followed by head injuries (37.5%). A statistically significant association was found between age and height of fall, with younger individuals more likely to fall from heights >3 m. The management outcomes revealed that 62.5% of patients were successfully discharged, while 12.5% died and 18.75% were discharged against medical advice (DAMA).
Conclusion:
Falls from height are a major cause of injuries in rural Jigawa State, especially among young males. Long bone fractures and head injuries are the most common types of injuries, and while most patients are successfully treated, there are concerning rates of death and DAMA. Preventive measures, such as discouraging children from climbing trees and providing alternative methods for fruit collection, are recommended. Further public health interventions and educational campaigns are necessary to reduce the risk of fall-related injuries. |
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| ISSN: | 1115-2613 2667-0526 |