Analysis of 274 patients with extremity injuries caused by the Bam earthquake

ObjectiveThe extremity injury pattern after a major earthquake is not well understood because data on this type of injury and management are limited. The aim of this study was to analyze the data of trauma patients with extremity injury in the earthquake of Bam Iran, registering 6.6 on the Richter scale.MethodsWe reviewed medical records of 486 patients admitted to hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Among them, 274 patients sustained extremity injuries. This group was composed of 138 females (50.4%) and 136 males (49.6%) and 213 cases (77.7%) were under 40 years of age.ResultsFracture was the major type of injury (58.4% of extremity injuries). The most common sites of injury were lower extremities (185 patients, 67.5% of all victims). Pelvic & rib fractures and abdominal injuries were the most frequently associated injuries. The mean ISS was 6.2 ± 4.0, and 61% of the patients had ISS ≤7. Amputation and death occurred in 2.9% and 2.5% of cases, respectively.ConclusionsSpecial attention should be given to dealing with orthopedic injuries in similar disasters in the future.