Pattern and distribution of skeletal injuries in victims of fatal road traffic accidents

Abstract

Globally, road traffic accidents are increasing at an alarming rate, with victims usually sustaining multiple injuries, with skeletal  injuries being one of the commonest injuries with increased mortality rates secondary to vital organ injuries and massive  haemorrhage. The present study assesses the pattern and distribution of skeletal injuries in victims of fatal road traffic accidents and  its relationship with cause of death. We found that majority (51%) of the victims were aged between 21-40 years with male  preponderance (83%). Motorcyclists were the most common victims (53%), followed by pedestrians (18%). Most common sites of  fractures were of the skull (74%), ribs (43%) and lower limb bones (18%). Forty percent of cases succumbed to injuries within 24  hours of accident. Most common cause of death was head injury (71%), followed by haemorrhagic shock (18%). Skull fracture was  present in 95.78% of victims who died of head injury.