Cross-Sectional Study on the Pattern of Skull Fractures & Intracranial Hemorrhges in Fatal Road Traffic Accidents in Chitradurga

Abstract

Background: Deaths due to Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) are increasing at an alarming rate & posing a
major epidemiological and medico-legal problem. Victims in RTAs sustain various injuries, of which head
injuries play a major role. Present study was conducted to know the pattern of skull fractures & intracranial
hemorrhages in fatal RTAs. Method: Present cross-sectional study was carried out on the victims of fatal
RTAs with head injuries, by conducting autopsy at mortuaries of Basaveshwara Medical College and District
Hospitals, Chitradurga. Results: Most common single type of external injuries over face and head included
abrasions in 66% and lacerations 64% cases. Dura mater was torn in 80%cases & 20% cases had intact
dura mater.72% cases presented with skull fracture and all the victims (100%) presented with intracranial
haemorrhage and injury to brain parenchyma and 30% cases developed cerebral oedema. The most common
type of brain injury noted was contusions in 52% cases. Fissured fracture was seen in 58% cases, followed
by comminuted fracture in 14% & sutural in 6%. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was seen in 90% cases, of
which 26% cases was in the age group of 31-40 years. Conclusion: This study made an effort to study the
pattern of head injuries and intracranial haemorrhages leading to death in road traffic accidents. Appropriate
preventive measures should be adopted to reduce head injury related deaths in road traffic accidents in the
future.