A Cross-Sectional Study on Pattern of Thoraco-abdominal Injuries in Victims of Fatal Road Traffic Accidents

Abstract

 Background: Road traffic accidents are preventable public health issues and are becoming more common. These 
accidents can be linked to a number of factors, including an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, 
changes in daily life, a nasty habit of breaking traffic laws, anarchic traffic systems, and risky driving practices. 
Thoraco-abdominal injury in different forms is one of the major causes of mortality in the victims of fatal road 
traffic accidents. The aim of this study was to know the pattern of thoraco-abdominal injuries in victims of fatal 
road traffic accident cases.
 Material & Method: The present study was conducted at the tertiary healthcare centre in southern Haryana. Total 
of 75 cases of fatal road traffic accident cases were enrolled during one year of study period. The basic information 
about the deceased like age, gender, mode of travel of the victim was obtained from investigating officer narration 
and inquest papers. During autopsy, detailed examination of injuries was carried out and the autopsy findings 
were recorded and analyzed.
 Results: It was observed that out of 75 cases male outnumbered females in ratio 5.25:1. Majority of the victims 
belonged to the age group 21-30 years. The commonest injury of the thoracic region was rib fracture (41.3%). It was 
also observed that 17.3% of victims had pelvic fracture.
 Conclusion: Human error is a major contributing factor to fatal RTAs, which can be avoided in many cases. A 
more stringent licensing policy, particularly for four-wheelers, increased knowledge of traffic laws, the reduction 
of drug abuse and an appropriate road network that is in line with traffic volume can help to reduce the number 
of fatal road traffic accidents.