Epidemiology and risk factors of orthopedic injuries in a tertiary care hospital: A retrospective study. A three-month analysis of trauma admissions in India.

Parth  Buddhdev; Nitin A  Buddhdev; Yuvraj  Suneja

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1840

Authors

Parth Buddhdev MBBS, D.Ortho (Ortho), Department of Orthopedics, G T Sheth Orthopaedic Hospital, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Nitin A Buddhdev MBBS, MS (Ortho), MCh (Joint Replacement, UK), Senior Joint Replacement Surgeon, Shalby Hospitals, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Yuvraj Suneja MBBS, MS(Ortho), MGM Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1840

Keywords:

Orthopedic injuries, trauma, road traffic accidents, falls, epidemiology, India

Abstract

Background

Orthopedic injuries, including road traffic accidents (RTAs) and falls, are a major public health concern in India, yet region-specific epidemiological data are limited. Objective: To describe the epidemiology and risk factors of orthopedic injuries in a tertiary care hospital in India over three months.

Methods

A retrospective observational study analyzed 287 trauma admissions from January 1 to March 31, 2025, using anonymized clinical communication records from a tertiary care hospital. Data included age, sex, injury mechanism, co-morbidities, and attending doctor. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression assessed associations between demographics, co-morbidities, and injury severity.

Results

Of 287 patients, 59.6% were male, with a mean age of 45.3 years (SD 24.3). Falls (45.3%) and RTAs (39.7%) were the leading injury mechanisms. Falls predominated in patients >60 years (71.2%), while RTAs were common in those aged 18–40 years (59.0%) (p<0.001). Hypertension (25.1%) and diabetes mellitus (15.0%) were frequent co-morbidities, significantly associated with older age (p < 0.001). Major injuries (29.6%) were linked to younger age (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–0.99) and RTAs (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.33–3.94).

Conclusion

Falls and RTAs drive orthopedic trauma, with distinct age and sex patterns. Targeted prevention, including fall safety for the elderly and road safety measures, is essential.

Recommendation

Implementation of targeted public health interventions focusing on fall prevention in the elderly and enhanced road safety measures is urgently needed to reduce orthopedic injuries.

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