Fracture patterns resulting from falls from walnut trees in Kashmir.
OBJECTIVE
To review injury patterns caused by falling from tall trees in Kashmir, and to suggest preventive measures.


METHODS
A prospective study involving rural workers presenting after falling from a walnut tree. Participants were followed for a mean 11.8 (4-20) months.


RESULTS
From March 2006 to October 2007, 120 people were studied. All were male, with a mean age of 31.6 (11-63) years, and presented during the walnut harvest season. Typical combinations of injuries affected multiple parts of the body, including spinal damage in 45 (37.5%) cases. Neurodeficit was seen in 20 (17%), with complete paraplegia in 7 (9%) cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The patterns of injury that emerged from this study have important implications in the evaluation of such cases. Delayed referral worsens damage. Aggressive safety education is required to help prevent these casualties.
Nabi
Dar G
DG
Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College Srinagar, University of Kashmir, India. drgndar@yahoo.co.in
Rashid
Tak Shafaat
TS
Kangoo
K A
KA
Ahmed
Dar Fiaz
DF
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003906:Developing Countries; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D031324:Juglans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution; D012424:Rural Population; D014197:Trees; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult