Review of Seventy consecutive cases of limb injuries in calabar the role of motorcyclists

ABSTRACT

Background: Limb injuries are common. The aims of this study were to evaluate the pattern of limb injuries seen at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH); Calabar and the role ofmotorcyclists in their causation. Methodology: Prospective study from 1st January; 2005. Seventy consecutive patients with limb injuries presenting at the accident and emergencyunit of UCTH were evaluated. Results: The seventy patients who entered the study presented between 1st January 2005 and 31st May 2005. They sustained eighty five (85) limb injuries.Ages ranged from 4.5years to 68years with mean of 30years. Male to female ratio was 2.71. Road Traffic Accident (RTA) was the commonest cause of injury accounting for 76.8of cases withmotorcycle accidents constituting 52.8of these. Fracture was the most common injury accounting for 54 cases (63.5). Fracture of the tibia and fibula (combined) was the most common fracture (37.0). Head injury was the most common associated injury (66.7). Conclusion: Motorcycle accidents are important causes of limb injuries. Appropriate measures to reduce incidence of road traffic accidents would significantly curtail the rate of occurrence of limb injuries