Musculoskeletal injuries in a major road accident

The objective of our study was to examine cases of musculoskeletal trauma sustained by survivors of a major road traffic accident [RTA], and evaluate their immediate management. Eighty-four RTA survivors were admitted on a single day at the Asir Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia. The Division of Orthopedics and Traumatology made an assessment of the various musculoskeletal injuries sustained by the survivors, using the Injury Severity Score [ISS] in the evaluation of their condition. Although RTA[s] are common in Saudi Arabia, there has been no report about one involving the mass transportation service. Of the 84 patients admitted, 41 [48.8%] had an ISS of over 16, indicating major trauma. Twenty-two of these stayed in the hospital for more than three weeks with a mean ISS of 26.36. Musculoskeletal trauma topped the list, and with neurological injuries were found to be a major contributing factor for long hospital stay. Our paper describes the primary management of the musculoskeletal injuries and suggests measures to prevent morbidity relating to these injuries

Congenital hip instability in hospital born neonates in Abha

In a prospective screening of 2222 consecutive live hospital births over a ten-month period in Abha, there was an incidence of 3.6% for congenital hip instability by examination within 48 hours of delivery. This is a higher incidence than that reported from most parts of the world and is comparable to earlier Japanese figures. This suggests a regional variation in the incidence of hip instability within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bilateral instability was found in 32% and there was a left lateral dominance. There was a significantly higher incidence in female babies, in the local Saudi population and in first degree relatives of affected babies. Hip instability was noted in 8% of breech deliveries. No association was demonstrable with maternal age, birth order, size of the baby or gestation. Our findings are compared with other published data from Saudi Arabia and the West. The need for continued appropriate neonatal screening for early diagnosis of congenital hip instability is emphasized