Neurosurgical aspects of falls from flat-roofed houses

Authors : Can SARICA, Seyho Cem YUCETAS, Suleyman KILINC, Ozden AKSU, Leyla TOPCU, Ilyas DOLAS, Tanin OGUR, Arman OZGUNDUZ, Necati UCLER, Ali OZEN

Pages : 29-32

Doi:10.5472/marumj.860214

View : 46 | Download : 10

Publication Date : 2021-01-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: This study analyzed the current incidence and characteristics of neurosurgical injuries after falls from flat-roofed houses in Adiyaman. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated data of 31 patients who fell from flat-roofed houses and consulted the neurosurgery unit between January and December 2017 at Adiyaman University Hospital, Turkey. Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results: There were 19 male and 12 female patients [mean age, 16.8 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(range: 1–78); years; <18 years = 77%]. The 2017 crude rate of falls in Adiyaman was 5/100,000 cases. Mean fall height was 2.8 ± 1.0 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2–6); m. The number of cases is significantly higher in months with temperature >33°C insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(June–September); than those <33°C insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p = 0.006);. The most common pathology on initial computed tomography was isolated linear fracture insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(38%);. Five patients insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2 cranial, 3 spinal); underwent surgery. All patients, except one, reported no or acceptable symptoms in their first outpatient clinic visit. The overall mortality rate was 0%. Conclusion: High falls from flat-roofed houses are still a common cause of neurosurgical injury. However, the current incidence in Adiyaman is currently not as high as the rates 20 years ago in Diyarbakir, a neighboring city with similar lifestyles.
Keywords : Fall, Flat roofed houses, Incidence, Injury, Neurosurgery, Trauma

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