Anatomic distribution of war injuries and probable preventive role of personal protective devices

AIMS. War has different consequences. In human aspects, besides mortalities, it has high personal and social costs because of case morbidities. The aim of this study is assessment of various aspects of war injury distribution in one of the province centers of war injured data. METHODS. In this cross sectional study records of all injured millitant sent to war casualty headquarter of one of Iran provinces during 1987-1988 were assessed. Records were collected using a self- administrated checklist and Injured areas were considered as head-neck, upper and lower extremities, chest, abdomen, pelvis and vertebral column. Statistical qualitative tests were used analyzing data. RESULTS. Among all millitants 578 cases of injury were found. Lower extremities was the most common area of injury (57.6%). Upper limbs (30%) and head-neck area (15.7%) were in second and third place. The most common millitary reason of injuries was mortar explosion and hit of its Shrapnel. More than half of injuries had happened during antiattack operation. CONCLUSION. Non war etiologies have an important role in happening of injuries and also in most injured cases head and trunk areas are affected. So using appropriate personal protective devices have effective role in reduction of morbidity rate.