Fracture patterns resulting from falls from walnut trees in Kashmir

ObjectivesTo review injury patterns caused by falling from tall trees in Kashmir, and to suggest preventive measures.MethodA prospective study involving rural workers presenting after falling from a walnut tree. Participants were followed for a mean 11.8 (4–20) months.ResultsFrom March 2006 to October 2007, 120 people were studied. All were male, with a mean age of 31.6 (11–63) years, and presented during the walnut harvest season. Typical combinations of injuries affected multiple parts of the body, including spinal damage in 45 (37.5%) cases. Neurodeficit was seen in 20 (17%), with complete paraplegia in 7 (9%) cases.ConclusionsThe patterns of injury that emerged from this study have important implications in the evaluation of such cases. Delayed referral worsens damage. Aggressive safety education is required to help prevent these casualties.