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General Orthopaedics

The Burden of Trauma – 2011 Soweto Perspective

The South African Orthopaedic Association (SAOA) 58th Annual Congress



Abstract

Purpose of study

To gather & interpret statistics surrounding orthopaedic trauma in order to improve on infrastructure & logistics within our department and to highlight the massive social burden of orthopaedic trauma

Description of methods

A retrospective review of all orthopaedic casualty, admissions and theatre cases in 2011 from casualty and theatre registries along with weekly Morbidity & Mortality presentations.

Results

Over 12000 clinic and 14000 casualty patients were attended to with ankle, distal radius, femur and tibia fractures as the most common orthopaedic injuries. Over 1800 operations were performed with an 0.03% mortality rate.

Conclusion

Orthopaedic trauma is a major burden to the local community and is a driving force in escalating healthcare costs. Improvements in logistical procedures will streamline management and help to alleviate some burden on healthcare workers

NO DISCLOSURES