Assessment of the Impact of Musculoskeletal Trauma from Road Traffic Injuries on Hospital Healthcare Systems (Code-T0174)

Introduction: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a major public health concern, leading to significant morbidity and mortality globally. Among the various types of injuries, musculoskeletal trauma represents a substantial burden on healthcare systems. This study aims to evaluate the impact of musculoskeletal trauma resulting from road traffic injuries on hospital resources, including the number of cases, treatment demands, and the associated healthcare costs.

Aims and Objectives:

Aim:

Evaluation of the burden on hospital health care system due to musculoskeletal trauma caused by road traffic injuries.

Objective:

Evaluation of the following parameters of musculoskeletal trauma caused by road traffic injuries :-

1. To evaluate the total number of days of hospital stay required for management.
2. To study the spectrum of injuries and analyze.
3. The various surgical procedures needed for their management and the duration of utilization of the operation theater.
4. The type of non-operative treatment required for the management of these injuries.
5. To evaluate the different types of investigations needed for care of these patients.
6. To identify the factors causing prolonged hospital stay.
7. To find out the above factors in different victims, pedestrians versus vehicle occupant (driver or passenger).

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, where data on patients admitted for musculoskeletal trauma following road traffic accidents over a one-year period were collected. Information on patient demographics, types of injuries, length of hospital stay, surgical interventions, rehabilitation needs, and healthcare costs was gathered and analyzed to understand the extent of the burden on hospital resources.

Results: The study included 500 patients, with a significant proportion (70%) suffering from fractures and soft tissue injuries. The majority of cases required surgical intervention (40%) and extended rehabilitation (30%). The average hospital stay was 7 days, and the overall healthcare cost for managing these injuries was substantial, with the hospital resources being heavily utilized for both inpatient care and post-operative rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Musculoskeletal trauma due to road traffic injuries places a significant strain on hospital healthcare systems, with high demands for surgical and rehabilitation services. Addressing the prevention of RTIs and optimizing management strategies for musculoskeletal injuries could help alleviate this burden.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal trauma, road traffic injuries, healthcare burden, fractures, rehabilitation, hospital resources.