Abstract
Purpose
Falls from trees related traumas are rarely reported in literature. They are public health problems in developing countries where their frequency is still important. The aim of the study is to describe falls from trees related trauma patterns and to present preventative measures.
Methods
An annual ongoing prospective study was held in our trauma emergency department (ED) about all the patients who sustained an injury after a recent fall from tree. A questionnaire related to the patient and to the trauma was established. The data were encoded and analysed by a statistical software.
Results
One hundred six patients who sustained a fall from tree trauma, out of a total of 139, were studied. Most patients were under 15 years old (76.4 %); they were injured in fruits season (33 %) after a fall from a fruit tree (mango trees, Shea trees, Néré, etc.) and were received late (86 %). Injuries were polymorphic from traumatic brain injuries (51.8 %) and spine injuries (13.2 %) to thoraco-abdominal (21.6 %) and limbs injuries (46.2 %). Three housewives were pregnant at the time of the trauma with secondary abortions. Patients were managed medically (33.9 %), surgically (19.8 %) or by casting (34.9 %) with good outcome in 59 cases. Twelve patients refused medical care and two died.
Conclusion
Education programs must focus on picking fruits and leaves in order to make them safe and prevent injuries related to these traditional or professional activities.
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Dakouré, P.W.H., Diallo, M., Traoré, AC.V. et al. Trauma related to falls from trees treated in a specialized trauma centre in Burkina-Faso—one hundred and six cases treated in one year. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 39, 2451–2456 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-015-2966-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-015-2966-5