Does Weather Conditions Influence the Epidemiology of Paediatric Orthopedic Trauma in Southern Nigeria?

Introduction: Trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide in the paediatric age group. It is a global problem of public health significance. The aim of this study is to describe the influence of weather on the pattern of paediatric orthopedic trauma in Southern Nigeria.

Methods: Trauma victims below the age of 18 years who presented in the accident and emergency department of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu over a period of 12 months were enrolled in the study. A total of two hundred and twelve patients were included in the study.

Results: There were 129 male patients in the study which represented approximately 61% of the participants. The mean age of study participants was 97.28±57.88 months, with a range of (4-216) months. A greater proportion of study participants, 86(42.6%) were in primary school. Falls constituted approximately 54% of the cause of injury followed by domestic causes which made up 29.1%. Most injuries (58%) occurred in the home settings followed by roadways or playfields (29%). Injury occurred more in the evenings (36.5%), during dry seasons (75.3%), and the second term of the academic session (50.8%). The mean pediatric trauma score was 5.36 and 99.4% of the victims had mild Glasgow coma score. About 71% of these trauma victims were brought directly to the tertiary health facility, 73.1% completed treatment and were discharged, but five patients (2.4%) died during the study period.

Conclusion: Paediatric orthopedic trauma occurs mostly during the dry season due to evening falls at home. Most injuries are severe but do not involve loss of consciousness.