Seasonal variation in orthopedic trauma patients-An experience from central India.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the various epidemiological factors responsible for orthopedic trauma cases: how do weather patterns, month, season and public working schedule influence the daily frequency of orthopedic trauma.

Material and methods: This was a descriptive study performed in the Department of Orthopedics at a tertiary care centre in central India Participants: 7980 trauma cases reported in our study period. Study variables: Demographic characteristics of the cases, time, day, the month of injury and type of trauma and cause of trauma. etc. Statistical analysis: Proportions.

Results: In our study period from 2005 to 2016, there were total 7980 admissions, the annual incidence of trauma was 22.78%. RTA was the commonest cause of injury (46.85%). Most common age group affected was 11-40 year age group (64.06%), with the predominance of Male (67.40%) and rural population (72%). The commonest victims of trauma were labourer (37.66%). Maximum cases of trauma occurred during summer (58.9%). Fracture of upper extremity especially around Elbow was common which were 987 (26.41%) amongst which the fracture supracondylar humerus in pediatric age group was most common around 456. And in rainy season and winter season, there was the dominance of lower extremity fracture which was fracture around Ankle and Foot (i.e 557; 23.59%) and fracture of tibia bone (i.e 516; 27.4%) respectively.

Conclusion: Orthopedic trauma at a tertiary health care trauma center do vary significantly with the weather and are highest in the Summer season.