Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Orthopedic Injuries in a Tertiary Care Hospital

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.

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