Orthopedic Injuries Following the East Azerbaijan Earthquake

Background: Evaluating demographic characteristics, distribution and types of orthopedic injuries following major earthquakes may be helpful in future planning for disasters. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze data from trauma patients with extremity injury resulting from the earthquakes of East Azerbaijan, Iran. Patients and Methods: Medical records of ۶۸۶ patients admitted to Shohada hospital, Trauma Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were reviewed. There were ۲۰۰ patients with extremity injury assessed. Demographic characteristics and patterns of injuries in these patients were evaluated. Results: In this study, there were ۱۰۵ females (۵۲.۵%) and ۹۵ males (۴۷.۵%), out of which, ۶ (۳%) patients with associated severe head injuries died. The most common sites of injury were lower extremities (۸۱ patients, ۴۱.۵% of total victims) while ۳۲ patients (۱۶%) suffered from both upper and lower extremity injuries. Open Fractures were seen in lower extremities of ۲۶ (۱۳%) patients. Compartment syndrome was observed in ۳ (۱.۵%) patients with lower limb fractures. Also, ۴۲ (۲۱%) patients living in Tabriz were injured while they were running away (falling down the stairs and jumping out of windows). Conclusions: Extremity injuries especially open fractures of lower limbs account for the majority of hospitalized victims. Compartment syndrome is one of the main problems that should be addressed. Our study demonstrates that people still need more education regarding earthquakes and the government should direct more attention to this issue.

Keywords:

Mass Casualty , earthquakes , Cumulative Trauma Disorders