Epidemiology of work-related hand and wrist injuries in a referral center: A descriptive study

BACKGROUND Occupational hand and wrist injuries(OHWIs)account for 25%of work-related accidents in low-and middle-income countries.In Colombia,more than 500000 occupational accidents occurred in 2021,and although the rate declined to less than 5%in 2020 and 2021,at least one in four accidents involved a hand or wrist injury.AIM To describe the OHWIs in workers seen at the emergency room at a second-level hospital in Colombia.METHODS An observational study was performed using data from workers who experienced OHWIs and attended a second-level hospital,between June,2020 and May,2021.The overall frequency of OHWIs,as well as their distribution by sociodemo-graphic,clinical,and occupational variables,are described.Furthermore,association patterns between sex,anatomical area(fingers,hand,wrist),and type of job were analyzed by correspondence analysis(CA).RESULTS There were 2.101 workers treated for occupational accidents,423(20.3%)were cases of OHWIs,which mainly affected men(93.9%)with a median age of 31 years and who worked mainly in mining(75.9%).OHWIs were more common in the right upper extremity(55.3%)and comprised different types of injuries,such as contusion(42.1%),laceration(27.9%),fracture(18.7%),and crush injury(15.6%).They primarily affected the phalanges(95.2%),especially those of the first finger(25.7%).The CAs showed associations between the injured anatomical area and the worker’s job that differed in men and women(explained variance>90%).CONCLUSION One out of five workers who suffered occupational accidents in Cundinamarca,Columbia had an OHWI,affecting mainly males employed in mining.This occupational profile is likely to lead to prolonged rehabilitation,and permanent functional limitations.Our results might be useful for adjusting preventive measures in cluster risk groups.

Ambulance Records as an Information Source to Document and Prevent Fall Injuries in Sweden

In Sweden, there has been only limited documentation for injuries requiring ambulance responses. The main objective of this study is, through the use of historic data, to assess the suitability of ambulance records to describe circumstances with fall injuries. Methods: The injury events data around patients were sourced from the ambulance data register. Descriptive statistics were used to describe injured patients based on age group, type of injury, place of injury, injury mechanism and consequence of an injury event. Two-group comparison was performed with Pearson’s chi-squared. Predictors of transport to hospital were identified using logistic regression analyses. Result: Ambulance provides unique data on all injury events, with direct implications for translational research, public policy and clinical practice (safety promotion). In 2002 ambulance attended 3964 injured people which represents 14% of ambulance attended workload in Värmland county, Sweden. The most common trauma location was the traffic area followed by residential area and nursing home. These three injury sites account for 2320 cases (61.6%). The most common cause of injury was falls (63.9%) followed by contact with another person (26.5%). Contact with another person is the most common site of injury in the traffic area (79.5%), and men aged 25-66 years are overrepresented. Conclusion: Logistic regression found that, age-group and place code were significant predictor for being attended by ambulance. Traffic, home and nursing homes were over-represented injury environments (61.6%) that require special attention. Most injury cases occur in the home and nursing homes among people over 67 years of age. Surprisingly, most of the injury events in the traffic environment are about hitting another person. Paramedics can provide rich and valuable data on injury events. Registration of such data is entirely possible and desirable, and can be used in preventive work.

From single to combinatorial therapies in spinal cord injuries for structural and functional restoration

Spinal cord injury results in paralysis, sensory disturbances, sphincter dysfunction, and multiple systemic secondary conditions, most arising from autonomic dysregulation. All this produces profound negative psychosocial implications for affected people, their families, and their communities;the financial costs can be challenging for their families and health institutions. Treatments aimed at restoring the spinal cord after spinal cord injury, which have been tested in animal models or clinical trials, generally seek to counteract one or more of the secondary mechanisms of injury to limit the extent of the initial damage. Most published works on structural/functional restoration in acute and chronic spinal cord injury stages use a single type of treatment: a drug or trophic factor, transplant of a cell type, and implantation of a biomaterial. Despite the significant benefits reported in animal models, when translating these successful therapeutic strategies to humans, the result in clinical trials has been considered of little relevance because the improvement, when present, is usually insufficient. Until now, most studies designed to promote neuroprotection or regeneration at different stages after spinal cord injury have used single treatments. Considering the occurrence of various secondary mechanisms of injury in the acute and sub-acute phases of spinal cord injury, it is reasonable to speculate that more than one therapeutic agent could be required to promote structural and functional restoration of the damaged spinal cord. Treatments that combine several therapeutic agents, targeting different mechanisms of injury, which, when used as a single therapy, have shown some benefits, allow us to assume that they will have synergistic beneficial effects. Thus, this narrative review article aims to summarize current trends in the use of strategies that combine therapeutic agents administered simultaneously or sequentially, seeking structural and functional restoration of the injured spinal cord.

Use of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain cells,organoids,assembloids,and blood-brain barrier models in understanding alcohol and anesthetic-induced brain injuries:an emerging perspective

Neurological disorders,including developmental disorders,Alzheimer’s disease(AD),and psychiatric conditions,have significant social and economic impacts globally.Despite extensive research into the underlying mechanisms of these disorders,effective treatments remain elusive,partly due to the complexity of the brain,the limited availability of human brain tissue,and the blood-brain barrier(BBB)’s impermeability to certain drugs.This perspective article discusses the potential of human induced pluripotent stem cell(iPSC)-based models of brain cells,organoids,assembloids,and BBB to advance our understanding of the etiology,progression,and mechanisms of brain injuries induced by alcohol consumption and general anesthesia.These models could also be used to develop protective and therapeutic approaches.

The Role of Age as a Risk Factor for Pickleball-Related Injuries

Pickleball is a popular sport that includes players from many different demographics. The popularity has resulted in not only increases in participation but also in activity related injuries. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors along with potential mechanisms for injuries related to pickleball and identify effective countermeasures. Methods included the identification of pickleball related injuries from a US National Emergency Room database (NEISS). A narrative section of the database was used to identify and categorize potential mechanisms of injury. Results indicated that the types and mechanisms of injury relate to three specific age groups: younger, middle age, and older players. Injuries to younger players under the age of 26 are likely the result of misuse of sport equipment. Middle aged players from 26 to 50 sustained injuries more related activity overuse. However, there were more concerns with players over 50 years of age with a great percentage resulting in cardia arrest or symptoms leading to more severe cardiovascular conditions. While pickleball activity should be encouraged as it is a beneficial form of physical activity, there should be specific age-group interventions to reduce injury. It should be highly recommended that doctors approve the activity for individual at risk for heart conditions and supervision for adults in that age group.

Bicycle-related traumatic injuries: a retrospective study during COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND:This study aimed to review bicycle-related injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist with reinforcement or implementation of new policies for injury prevention.METHODS:This is a retrospective descriptive analysis of injuries sustained during cycling for patients 18 years old and above who presented to Singapore General Hospital from January to June 2021.Medical records were reviewed and consolidated.Descriptive analyses were used to summarize patient characteristics,and differences in characteristics subgrouped by triage acuity and discharge status were analyzed.RESULTS:The study included 272 patients with a mean age of 43 years and a male predominance(71.7%).Most presented without referrals(88.2%)and were not conveyed by ambulances(70.6%).Based on acuity category,there were 24(8.8%)Priority 1(P1)patients with 7 trauma activations,174(64.0%)and 74(27.2%)P2 and P3 patients respectively.The most common injuries were fractures(34.2%),followed by superficial abrasion/contusion(29.4%)and laceration/wound(19.1%).Thirteen(4.8%)patients experienced head injury and 85 patients(31.3%)were documented to be wearing a helmet.The majority occurred on the roads as traffic accidents(32.7%).Forty-two patients(15.4%)were admitted with a mean length of stay of 4.1 d and 17(6.3%)undergone surgical procedures.Out of 214(78.7%)discharged patients,no re-attendances or mortality were observed.In the subgroup analysis,higher acuity patients were generally older,with higher proportions of head injuries leading to admission.CONCLUSION:Our study highlights significant morbidities in bicycle-related injuries.There is also a high proportion of fractures in the young healthy male population.Injury prevention is paramount and we propose emphasizing helmet use and road user safety.

Resection and reconstruction in high-grade pancreatic head injuries

This study by Chui et al adds further important evidence in the treatment of highgrade pancreatic injuries and endorses the concept of the model of pancreatic trauma care designed to optimize treatment,minimize morbidity and enhance survival in patients with complex pancreatic injuries.Although the authors have demonstrated favorable outcomes based on their limited experience of 5 patients who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD),including 2 patients who were“unstable”and did not have damage control surgery(DCS),we would caution against the general recommendations promoting index PD without DCS in“unstable”grade 5 pancreatic head injuries.

Work-Related Accidents on a Hospital Construction Site in Benin

Introduction: Work-related accidents are frequent and serious in the construction sector. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and factors associated with occupational accidents on the construction site of a referral hospital in Benin. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. The sample size was calculated using the Schwartz form adjusted for the number of workers on site and was 129 workers. Random sampling was used. The dependent variable was work-related accidents. The other variables were socio-demographic and occupational characteristics. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey. Medians and proportions were calculated. An association was sought using Chi-square and Fisher tests with a threshold of p Results: A total of 132 workers were included. Their median age was 30 years with an ITQ of [27 - 38];men were the most represented 126 (95.45%) with a level of education higher than or equal to high school in 101 (76.52%) and in the majority with a permanent status 85 (64.39%). Seniority of more than 5 years was observed in 92 (69.7%). Workers working more than 8 hours of overtime per week numbered 57 (43.18%). Exposure to vibrating objects was 49 (37.12%). In terms of psychosocial constraints, 82.58% had high psychological demands;79.53% low decision-making latitude;50.76% low social support. The frequency of work-related accidents was 6.82%, and the only associated factor was the type of worker (p = 0.016). On the other hand, there were 10.2% accidents among workers handling vibrating objects versus 4.98% among those not using them. With regard to psychosocial constraints, the following frequencies were recorded respectively: 6.42% among those with high psychological demand versus 8.7% among those with low psychological demand;7.62% among those with low decision-making latitude versus 3.7% among those with high decision-making latitude;8.96% among those with low social support versus 4.62% among those with high support. Conclusion: Work-related accidents on construction sites must be avoided by all possible means including the management of psychosocial constraints.

Management of Traumatic Brain Injuries at the Kara Regional Hospital

Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality in young adults. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects of TBI. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive study conducted from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 on patients admitted to and treated for cranioencephalic trauma in the General Surgery department of Kara Regional Hospital. Results: Eighty-three (83) patients with cranioencephalic trauma were managed out of 773 patients admitted to the department during the study period. The mean age was 34 ± 14.98 years and the sex ratio was 3.6 in favour of men. Motorbike taxi drivers were the social group most affected (n = 33, 40%). The causes of trauma were dominated by public road accidents (n = 80;96%). TBI was mild (n = 40;48%), moderate (n = 35;42%) and severe (n = 8;10%). Cerebral CT scans were performed in 19 patients (23%). Cerebral contusion (n = 4) was the most frequent cerebral lesion. Six patients (7%) with severe head injuries were transferred to Kara University Hospital. Six deaths (7%) occurred in patients with severe head injuries. The main sequelae were intermittent headaches in all patients reviewed, and memory problems (6%). Conclusion: Traumatic brain injuries are common at Kara Regional Hospital. Severe cranial trauma is less frequent but leads to death because of financial difficulties and limited technical facilities.

Crosstalk among mitophagy,pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and necroptosis in central nervous system injuries

Central nervous system injuries have a high rate of resulting in disability and mortality;however,at present,effective treatments are lacking.Programmed cell death,which is a genetically determined fo rm of active and ordered cell death with many types,has recently attra cted increasing attention due to its functions in determining the fate of cell survival.A growing number of studies have suggested that programmed cell death is involved in central nervous system injuries and plays an important role in the progression of brain damage.In this review,we provide an ove rview of the role of programmed cell death in central nervous system injuries,including the pathways involved in mitophagy,pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and necroptosis,and the underlying mechanisms by which mitophagy regulates pyroptosis,ferroptosis,and necro ptosis.We also discuss the new direction of therapeutic strategies to rgeting mitophagy for the treatment of central nervous system injuries,with the aim to determine the connection between programmed cell death and central nervous system injuries and to identify new therapies to modulate programmed cell death following central nervous system injury.In conclusion,based on these properties and effects,interventions targeting programmed cell death could be developed as potential therapeutic agents for central nervous system injury patients.

Decision-Making and Management of Self-Care in Persons with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries: A Preliminary Study

Patients and physicians understand the importance of self-care following spinal cord injury (SCI), yet many individuals with SCI do not adhere to recommended self-care activities despite logistical supports. Neurobehavioral determinants of SCI self-care behavior, such as impulsivity, are not widely studied, yet understanding them could inform efforts to improve SCI self-care. We explored associations between impulsivity and self-care in an observational study of 35 US adults age 18 - 50 who had traumatic SCI with paraplegia at least six months before assessment. The primary outcome measure was self-reported self-care. In LASSO regression models that included all neurobehavioral measures and demographics as predictors of self-care, dispositional measures of greater impulsivity (negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance), and reduced mindfulness were associated with reduced self-care. Outcome (magnitude) sensitivity, a latent decision-making parameter derived from computationally modeling successive choices in a gambling task, was also associated with self-care behavior. These results are preliminary;more research is needed to demonstrate the utility of these findings in clinical settings. Information about associations between impulsivity and poor self-care in people with SCI could guide the development of interventions to improve SCI self-care and help patients with elevated risks related to self-care and secondary health conditions.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Using Helmets in Children amongst Parents to Prevent Head Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: The primary objective was to characterize the range of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of Helmet use in children amongst parents to prevent head injuries and death. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, done by online survey using a snowball sampling technique, the number of included responses were 386 parents (Male and female) living in Riyadh Aged 21 - 60 years old or above. Results: The study showed that there is a difference in Parents’ belief in the importance of helmet use while riding a Bicycle vs Motorcycle/Quad bike and that was affected by parents’ education level, almost all the people who answered the survey (76.7%) agree that it is important for their children to wear a helmet when riding both a Bicycle and a Motorcycle or Quadbike with a cumulative percentage of (93.8%). And almost all agreed on multiple approaches to help increase helmet use be it by forcing rental shops to give out helmets, forcing sellers to recommend the use of helmets, increasing awareness campaigns, and imposing fines for not wearing helmets. Conclusions: This study is the first to explore Family helmet use while riding Bicycles and Motorcycles/Quad bikes. Although Parent’s belief in the importance of helmet use for their children was high, it is clear that the level of practice is low. With that the risk of head injuries might be high, our findings suggest that safety interventions for increasing pediatric helmet use are needed to increase helmet use and reduce the risk of head injury and hospitalization.

Upper extremity vascular injuries:Etiology,management and outcome

BACKGROUND Vascular injuries of the upper extremities are considered relatively rare injuries affecting mostly the young population.They often are complex injuries accompanied by other musculoskeletal trauma or trauma in other anatomic locations.Their management is challenging since they can lead to disabilities with major socioeconomic effects.AIM To analyze data about the mechanism of injury,the management algorithm and functional outcomes of vascular injuries of the upper extremity.METHODS One hundred and fifteen patients(96 males and 19 females)with arterial injuries of the upper extremity treated in a tertiary trauma center from January 2003 to December 2022 was conducted.Mean patients’age was 33.7 years and the mean follow up time was 7.4 years.Patients with Mangled Extremity Severity Score≥7 and Injury Severity Score≥20,previous upper limb surgery or major trauma and any neuromuscular or psychiatric disease were excluded,from the study.RESULTS A penetrating trauma was the most common cause of injury.The radial artery was the artery injured in most of the cases(37.4%)followed by the ulnar(29.5%),the brachial(12.1%)and the axillary(6%).A simultaneous injury of both of the forearm’s arteries was in 15.6%of the cases.In 93%of the cases there were other concomitant musculoskeletal injuries of the extremity.Tendon lacerations were the most common,followed by nerve injuries.The postoperative functional scores(full Disabilities of the Arm,Shoulder,and Hand and VAS)had very satisfactory values.CONCLUSION Although vascular injuries of the upper extremity are rare,they may occur in the context of major combined musculoskeletal trauma.Although a multidisciplinary approach is essential to optimize outcome,the ability of trained hand surgeons to repair all injuries in combined vascular and musculoskeletal upper extremity trauma,excluding isolated vascular injuries,ensures shorter operative times and better functional outcomes.

Effect of electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques on shoulder function in patients with rotator cuff injuries

BACKGROUND The rotator cuff is located below the acromion and deltoid muscles and comprises multiple tendons that wrap around the humeral head,maintaining shoulder joint stability.AIM To explore the effect of electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques on shoulder function in patients with rotator cuff injuries.METHODS We selected 97 patients with rotator cuff injuries treated in the People's Hospital of Yuhuan from February 2020 to May 2023.Patients were grouped using the envelope method.RESULTS After treatment,the study group’s treatment effective rate was 94.90%(46/49 patients),significantly higher than that in the control group(79.17%,38/48 cases;P<0.05).Before treatment,there was no difference in Constant Murley Score(CMS)scores,shoulder mobility,or 36-Item Short Form Health Survey(SF-36)scale scores(P>0.05).Compared with those before treatment,the CMS scores(including pain,daily living ability,shoulder mobility,and muscle strength),all aspects of shoulder mobility(forward flexion,posterior extension,external rotation,internal rotation),and SF-36 scale scores(including physiological,psychological,emotional,physical,vitality,and health status)were higher in both groups after treatment and significantly higher in the study group(P<0.05).There was no difference in the occurrence of complications between the two treatment groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques has a good treatment effect on patients with rotator cuff injuries,helps accelerate the recovery of shoulder function,improves the quality of life,and is highly safe.

Is there a place for endoscopic management in postcholecystectomy iatrogenic bile duct injuries?

In this editorial we comment on the article by Emara et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.Previously,surgery was the primary treatment for bile duct injuries(BDI).The treatment of BDI has advanced due to technological breakthroughs and minimally invasive procedures.Endoscopic and percutaneous treatments have largely supplanted surgery as the primary treatment for most instances in recent years.Patient management,including the specific technique,is typically impacted by local knowledge and the kind and severity of the injury.Endoscopic therapy is a highly successful treatment for postoperative benign bile duct stenosis and offers superior long-term outcomes compared to surgical correction.Based on the damage features of BDI,therapeutic options include endoscopic duodenal papillary sphincterotomy,endoscopic nasobiliary drainage,and endoscopic biliary stent implantation.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of preventive nursing measures for pressure injuries in patients in the neurology intensive care unit

BACKGROUND Patients in neurology intensive care units(ICU)are prone to pressure injuries(PU)due to factors such as severe illness,long-term bed rest,and physiological dysfunction.PU not only causes pain and complications to patients,but also increases medical burden,prolongs hospitalization time,and affects the recovery process.AIM To evaluate and optimize the effectiveness of pressure injury prevention nursing measures in neurology ICU patients.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted,and 60 patients who were admitted to the ICU of the Department of Neurology were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group according to the order of admission,with 30 people in each group.The observation group implemented pressure injury prevention and nursing measures,while the control group adopted routine care.RESULTS Comparison between observation and control groups following pressure injury prevention nursing intervention revealed significantly lower incidence rates in the observation group compared to the control group at 48 h(8.3%vs 26.7%),7 d(16.7%vs 43.3%),and 14 d(20.0%vs 50.0%).This suggests a substantial reduction in pressure injury incidence in the observation group,with the gap widening over time.Additionally,patients in the observation group exhibited quicker recovery,with a shorter average time to get out of bed(48 h vs 72 h)and a shorter average length of stay(12 d vs 15 d)compared to the control group.Furthermore,post-intervention,patients in the observation group reported significantly improved quality of life scores,including higher scores in body satisfaction,feeling and function,and comfort(both psychological and physiological),indicating enhanced overall well-being and comfort following the implementation of pressure injury prevention nursing measures.CONCLUSION Implementing pressure injury preventive care measures for neurology ICU patients will have better results.

Relationships between Quadriceps:Hamstring Strength Ratio and Lower Extremity Injuries in Netball Players

Background: Netball is a popular sport. Due to high impact and quick movement, there is an enormous load on the lower extremities which increases the risk for injury. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the quadricep and hamstring strength and the prevalence of lower extremity injuries in netball players. Setting: Twenty-five female netball players (age: 20.8 ± 1.4 years) voluntarily participated. Methods: The Cybex Isokinetic dynamometer was used to determine concentric knee torques. Quadriceps:hamstring strength ratio was determined. Occurrence of lower extremity injuries was documented bi-weekly. Results: Medium effect sizes were noted for flexion torque:work for the left leg and for the quadriceps:hamstring ratio (≥60%) for the right leg. All the other measured variables have a small effect size. 18.75% of lower extremity injuries and ConQ:ConH of Conclusion: Injuries to the ankle and knee are especially common among netball players. Hamstring and quadriceps muscle asymmetry (>10%) were found to be a potential indicator of lower extremity injury. Contribution: This study highlights awareness on lower extremity injuries and the strength ratio between the quadriceps and hamstrings. This can aid coaches and netball players to lower the risk for injuries and thus improve individual- and team performance.

Review and update on the management of triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries in professional athletes

Triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries are common in amateur and professional sports.These injuries are mainly caused by acute or chronic repetitive axial loads on the wrist,particularly on the ulnar side and in association with rotations or radial/ulnar deviations.In order to treat professional athletes,a detailed specific knowledge of the pathology is needed.Moreover,the clinician should fully understand the specific and unique environment and needs of the athletes,their priorities and goals,the type of sport,the time of the season,and the position played.An early diagnosis and appropriate management with the quickest possible recovery time are the uppermost goals for both the athlete and the surgeon.A compromise between conservative vs surgical indications,athletes’needs and expectations,and financial implications should be achieved.Arthroscopic procedures should be timely planned when indicated as they could allow early diagnosis and treatment at the same time.Conservative measures are often used as first line treatment when possible.Peripheral lesions are treated by arthroscopic repair,whilst central lesions are treated by arthroscopic debridement.Further procedures(such as the Wafer procedure,ulnar osteotomies,etc.)have specific indications and great implications with regard to rehabilitation.

Network pharmacology investigation of the mechanism underlying the therapeutic action of Shikang granules in retinal ischemia-reperfusion injuries

Background:Retinal ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)injury often results in vision loss,and effective clinical management options are currently lacking.Shikang granules(SKG)are traditional Chinese medicine-based preparations commonly used in clinical practice for treating optic atrophy.Methods:Despite decades of clinical use,the precise mechanism of action(MoA)of SKG remains elusive.Here,we employ a network pharmacological approach to elucidate its MoA by identifying active ingredients and relevant targets using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analytical Platform.Targets associated with retinal I/R injury were sourced from GeneCards,Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man,and DisGeNET.Venny software facilitated the identification of intersecting targets,which were then subjected to gene ontology functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis.To validate the protective effect and explore the MoA of SKG in retinal I/R injuries,we conducted experiments using rat models.Results:Our animal experiments demonstrated that SKG mitigated apoptosis following retinal I/R injury by upregulating the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and downregulating the expression of BAX,Caspase-9,Caspase-3,PARP,and cytochrome C.Additionally,SKG was found to increase the expression of PI3K and AKT.Conclusions:SKG may exert its protective effects by inhibiting apoptosis through modulation of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic protein expression,as well as activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Otorhinolaryngological (ORL) and Cervicofacial Injuries Resulting from Road Accidents within the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) Department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou

Introduction: Otorhinolaryngological (ORL) and cervicofacial traumas encompass injuries affecting the neck, face, and ORL region, resulting from external influence. The objective of this study was to conduct an epidemiological and clinical analysis of ORL and cervicofacial injuries observed in victims of road accidents treated at the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou. Materials and Methods: This prospective and descriptive study was conducted over a period of 12 months, from January 1st to December 31st, 2021, within the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou. It included patients hospitalized for ORL and/or cervicofacial traumas resulting from road accidents during the study period. Results: A total of 348 cases were included, representing 36.22% of all traumas related to road accidents (AVP) within the Regional Hospital of Mamou. The average age of the patients was 26.44 years, with a sex ratio of 3.83, favoring males. The dominant socio-professional category was students, encompassing 32.47% of cases. Road accidents were mainly associated with motorcycle use (31.32% motorcycle-to-motorcycle, 24.43% motorcycle skidding, 13.51% motorcycle-pedestrian). Facial region injuries were the most common, accounting for 69.03% of cases, followed by rhinological injuries (17.28%) and otological injuries (13.69%). Associated injuries were predominantly closed head traumas (52.55%) and lower limb fractures (20.41%). Imaging was underutilized. Regarding surgical interventions, reconstructive surgery was the most predominant, accounting for 52.51% of cases, with a management timeframe of 30 minutes to 12 hours for 99.72% of patients. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents remain a serious public health issue, primarily affecting young males. Emphasis should be placed on road safety measures to reduce the frequency of these accidents.