TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2004//
TI  - Trauma in rural Kenya
JO  - Injury
A1  - Otieno, Tobias
A1  - Woodfield, John C.
A1  - Bird, P.
A1  - Hill, A. G.
SP  - 1228
EP  - 1233
VL  - 35
IS  - 12
N2  - Background: Trauma in Africa is an increasingly significant problem. The aims of this study were to document the epidemiology and clinical management of trauma in a rural Kenyan hospital and from this to highlight important areas for the medical training of doctors managing trauma in similar situations. Methods: Prospective audit of 202 consecutive trauma patients admitted to Kijabe Hospital. Results: The mean patient age was 31, 77% were males. The median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was nine. The median distance to hospital was 60km, with a 9h delay in presentation. Injury mechanisms included road traffic accidents 52%, fall 22%, assaults 13% and burns 6%. The main injuries were limb fractures, soft tissue injuries, head injury and haemo/pneumothorax. Common interventions included fracture management, wound debridement, chest drain insertion, blood transfusion and skin grafting. The overall mortality rate was 3.5%. Conclusion: With appropriate resources and training, good trauma outcomes are possible. The importance of access to hospital care and orthopaedic training are highlighted.
LA  - 
SN  - 0020-1383
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2004.03.013
ID  - ref1
ER  -