Preliminary radiological result after establishment of hospital-based trauma registry in level-1 trauma hospital in developing country setting, prospective cohort study

Abstract

IntroductionInjuries are the second most common cause of disability, the fifth most common cause of healthy years of life lost per 1000 people and unfortunately 90% of mortality takes place in low-to middle-income countries. Trauma registries guide policymakers and health care providers in decision making in terms of resource allocation as well as enhancing trauma care outcomes. Furthermore data from these registries inform policy makers to decrease the rate of death and disability occurring as a result of injuries. We present our experience in setting up an orthopedic trauma registry and the first short term follow-up of radiological outcomes.Materials and methodologyOur study is a non-funded, non-commercial, prospective cohort study that was registered at Research Registry. The primary objectives of our study included assessing pattern of injuries in patients with upper and lower limb skeletal trauma presenting to our tertiary care academic university hospital and their respective outcomes. Data was collected by the musculoskeletal service line team members supervised by an experienced research associate and trauma consultants. The work has been reported in line with the STROCSS criteria.ResultsA total of 177 patients were included in this analysis, of whom 101 (57.1%) patients had lower limb fractures, 64(36.1%) patients ad upper limb fractures and 12 (6.8%) patients had both upper and lower limbs involved. A total of 189 upper and lower limb fracture cases were recorded. 176 patients (93.1%) underwent surgeries and 13(6.9%) were managed nonoperatively. Roentgenographic outcomes were assessed using radiological criteria for each bone fractured.ConclusionEstablishing a trauma registry assists in identification of the pattern of injuries presenting to the hospital which helps in priority setting, care management and planning. This continuous audit of outcomes in turn, plays a significant role in quality improvement.

Utility of an orthopaedic trauma registry in Ghana

“…Road traffic collisions account for a large portion of both orthopaedic and nonorthopaedic injuries. 22 , 24 , 27 , 28 Young and middle-aged adult males are the largest affected demographic group. Similar to orthopaedic injuries at Aga Khan University Hospital in Pakistan, lower extremity fractures were the most common type of injury; however, 90% of injuries in Pakistan were managed operatively compared to only 44% in our study.…”

“…They have used this registry to inform priority setting and planning, preventive strategies and management protocols, and ongoing data collection. 22 , 23 A pilot orthopaedic trauma registry in a Ugandan district hospital was created and demonstrated delayed access to care in specific groups, including subsistence farmers, motorcycle taxi drivers, and preschool children. However, this appears to be a one-time report and data collection is not ongoing.…”