pattern of pelvic Fractures in Asir Region of Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study is to review two hundred cases of pelvic ring fractures, acetabular fractures and dislocation of hips seen in Asir Central Hospital over a six-year period from 1409H [1989] to 1415H [1995] and to see how it correlates the with pattern seen in other parts of the world. In the review emphasis is laid on associated injuries, causes of the injury, the most common type of pelvic ring fractures and the most common type of acetabular fractures seen. Data were gathered from the case notes of all admissions and transfers to this hospital of all patients with pelvic fractures during the period of study. All the relevant roentgenograms were retrieved and re-studied for the purpose of classification of the pelvic ring and the acetabular fractures. Male-female ratio was 5.1:1. The average age was 30.7 years. The most common associated injuries were fractures of bones of the lower extremities and head injury. Road traffic accident was the most common cause of pelvic fracture followed by fall from height. Most common type of pelvic fracture was pelvic ring injuries without acetabular fractures followed by type A injuries [stable ring injuries]. The most common acetabular fracture was type A followed by type B injuries. With the exception of one case, all the hip dislocations were posterior dislocations. Road traffic accident is the most common cause of pelvic fractures in Asir region of Saudi Arabia. The most common associated injury is the fracture of bones of the lower extremities. The most common type of pelvic ring fractures seen is stable type A, and the most acetabular fracture seen is type B

Crush injuries of the hand in children in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to report on crush injuries of the hand in children in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia, caused by domestic meat mincing machine. Case note of all the patients seen and treated over an eight-year period [1988 - 1996] were developed. There were nine boys and two girls, aged between 14 and 48 months. Both right and left hands were about equally affected. Total of 43 digits were involved. The middle finger was most commonly involved and the thumb least involved. Removal of hand from the machine was effected using a special hydraulic device. Adequate safety devices must be incorporated into the designing of all meat mincing machines. Safety warnings must be packaged with the machines. When such accidents occur, attempts should be made to forcibly pull-out the trapped hand

Childhood septic arthritis in Asir region, Saudi Arabia

Aim: To study the pattern of septic arthritis in children as seen in Asir Central Hospital over an 8 year period and compare with the pattern reported from other areas. A restrospective study of all fully documented cases of septic arthritis in children seen from 1988G [1408H] since the hospital was commissioned as a referral centre till 1996. Patients: There were 25 patients, age range between 18 days and 12 years [Mean 5 +/- 5 years]. Male/Female ratio was 1.27:1. Infection is usually monoarticular and the knee joint is most commonly affected. Beyond the first 2 months of life staphylococcus aureus is the most common organism causing septic arthritis while in patients aged 2 months or less gram negative organisms are the predominant pathogens. Haemophilus influenzae does not seem to be a major cause of septic arthritis in this environment