Orthopedic Problems from Accident during New Year Festival in Sakon Nakhon Hospital in 2003 and 2004

Abstract

Abstract: During New Year festival, orthopedic patients were remarkably increased. The number had tendency to be more every year. Aim: To describe the characteristics of the patients, cofactors found in 2004 and compare to those of 2003. Patients and Methods: Accident victims diagnosed during the New Year festival of the year 2003 and 2004 in Sakon Nakhon Hospital were recruited, analysed and compared. Results: During the New Year festival of the year 2004, there were 74 orthopedic patients from 330 cases of accident (22.4%). Of these, 49 cases were due to traffic (66.2%). There was no difference in any parameter of patient group of the year 2003 and 2004, regarding the number, sexes, ages of patients, causes of accident, cofactors eg. time of accident, a kind of vehicles, usage of helmet, drug or alcohol abuse, severity of injury and operation rate. Most cases had moderate degree of severity, no death. Long bone was most common organ affected. Conclusion: During New Year festival of 2004 the incidence of cofactors and severity of orthopedic patients were similar to those of the year 2003.