ABSTRACT
This study was performed to determine the possible causes and mechanisms of fatalities among Iranian mountaineers during climbing. By contacting several sources, deceased mountaineers were identified. Data about the causes and mechanism of death was retrospectively obtained using a standard questionnaire for each case. A total of 29 deaths were identified from March 2006 to June 2010. Deceased subjects had a mean age of 39 years [SD: 12.8, Range: 20-67]. Falling was the most common accident leading to death of outdoor enthusiasts [n=14, 48%]. Asphyxia [n=6, 24%] was the most common cause of death among the subjects, followed by heart attack, internal bleeding, cerebral hemorrhage and hypothermia [17%, 17%, 17% and 10%, respectively]. Our findings suggest that education of medical service providers of the climbing groups on facing victims in high altitude areas, where they have limited resources, can be particularly helpful. In addition, a national program to educate mountaineers might help to reduce fatalities
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To illustrate mechanisms of spine fractures and the pattern of spinal injuries characterized by the major mechanisms in urban population of Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data regarding spinal injuries including demographics, mechanism and level of spinal injury, abbreviated injury score, associated injuries and final fate of the patients were extracted from the Iranian national trauma registry database from 1999 to 2004.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 619 patients with traumatic spine fractures were identified, of whom 68.5% were males. The peak frequency of these injuries occurred in the 21-40 year age-group. Accidental falls and road traffic crashes (RTCs) were the most common mechanisms of spinal fractures (47.2% and 44.1%, respectively). RTCs tended to occur in younger patients compared with accidental falls. The most common spinal region for spinal fracture was the lumbar spine (53.63%). Cervical spine fractures were significantly more common in RTCs, while lumbar spine fractures were more common in accidental falls (P less than 0.001). A total of 171 (27.6%) patients had associated non-spinal injuries, of whom 127 had associated extremity injuries, and 55 had head injuries. Thirty-six (5.6%) patients had spinal cord injury (SCI).The injury severity score of the RTC group was significantly higher than that of accidental falls (P equal to 0.002). Fifteen (4%) patients died of traumatic injuries. The rate of death was significantly higher in RTCs compared with accidental falls (5.1% vs 2.1%, P equal to 0.039).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The patterns of spinal fractures are similar to those reported from developed countries. RTCs tend to affect the younger age population and are associated with a higher degree of associated injuries and mortality than accidental falls. Therefore preventive strategies should be based on reduction of the number and severity of RTCs.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Accidental Falls , Accidents, Traffic , Age Factors , Cross-Sectional Studies , Length of Stay , Spinal FracturesABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the patterns of traumatic extremity injuries leading to amputation in Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data of Iranian National Trauma Project was used to identify patients with upper and lower extremity traumas undergoing amputation. This project was conducted in 8 major cities during 2000-2004.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of 17 753 traumatic patients, 164 (0.92%) had injuries to the extremities that resulted in the limb amputation. Of these, 143 (87.2%) were men. The patient's mean age was 29.0 years +/- 15.4 years and the highest incidence was seen in the age group of 21 to 30 years (34.1%). One hundred and four cases were occupational accidents (63.4%). Blunt trauma was in 54.9% of the cases. The most common reasons for amputation were respectively stabbings (37.8%) and crush injuries (31.7%). Amputation of hand fingers was the most frequent type of amputation (125 cases, 76.2 %). One patient died from severe associated injuries.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study shows the patterns of traumatic limb amputation in Iran, a developing country. Results of this study may be used in preventive strategic planning.</p>