title: Retrospective Study of Injuries in Military Parachuting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This paper analyses the rate and patterns of parachuting injuries at the Sultans Oman Parachute Unit (SOPRA) in Oman.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data on 150 patients referred to Rustaq Regional Referral Hospital was collected and analysed. The injuries were defined as severe (fractures, dislocation, head trauma) or minor (contusion, bruises, sprains).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rate of severe injuries was 9 % and ankle fractures were the commonest. The minor injury rate was 13.5%. The injury rate increased in relation to age (p < 0.001). The type and possible mechanisms of injury are discussed with the recommendation for reducing the injury rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that our data compares favourably with other studies except for higher incidence of severe injuries.
authors.affiliation: Specialist in Orthopaedics, Department of Orthopaedics, Rustaq Hospital, South Batinah Region, Ministry of Health, Sultanate of Oman.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dhar
keywords: Parachute; Parachuting injuries; Paratrooper