INVESTIGATION OF THE FREQUENCY OF ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES IN TRAUMATIC PATIENTS REQUIRING VASCULAR SURGERY INTERVENTION REFERRED TO IMAM KHOMEINI HOSPITAL IN SARI DURING 2016-2017: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Vascular trauma is an emergency limb-threatening situation and the third leading cause of mortality and morbidity (amputation) all over the world which can lead to significant complications due to lack of correct diagnosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of various orthopedic injuries in traumatic patients requiring vascular surgery interventions.

This study was a retrospective descriptive-analytic study. All the patients suffering from trauma that required vascular surgery intervention and were referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari during 2016-2017 were included in this study.

Of 43 patients, 90.70% were male and 9.30% were female. The mean age of patients was 36.37±11.27years. The most frequent mechanism of trauma was motor accidents. The most extremity involvement was in the left lower limb and in terms of vascular damage; the peritoneal arterial region (23.20%) was the most frequently involved area. For orthopedic damage, 86% of the patients had fracture and 14% had dislocation. Based on the fracture site, the most frequent fracture was tibiofibular distal (23%) followed by knee joint (14%). Among the cases of fracture, the most abnormal type was open fracture (74/40%) and the most abnormal type of dislocation was anterior dislocation (9/40%).

The most frequent cause of vascular trauma was accidents with vehicles, and the need for more precise compliance with traffic regulations to reduce injuries should be considered. Also, vascular damages were associated with higher orthopedic fractures, mostly in the lower extremities of the left and in the popliteal region. Early diagnosis, early restoration, patient transfer to appropriate center, and the appropriate medical and surgical treatment can greatly reduce morbidity and mortality rates.