Characteristics of lower limb injuries in non-fatal road traffic accidents: a retrospective analysis of forensic medical examinations

Abstract

Background. Fractures of the lower limbs are one of the most common injuries in road traffic accidents, however, the frequency and localization of fractures, as well as associated trauma, are not well understood. The purpose of the study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of forensic medical examinations of victims with the road traffic injuries of the lower limbs. Results. The research material was 100 reports of forensic medical examinations of victims with fractures of the femur and/or shin bones resulting from a non-fatal road traffic accidents. The study found that the average age of the victims was 41.5 ± 18.8 years (18 - 81 years). The main contingent of those injured was pedestrians (82%). In victims, the most common injury was polytrauma; closed limb fractures were more common. Hip fractures of various localization were found in 39%, shin fractures - in 59%, ankle fractures - in 12%. Closed head injury with a concussion of the brain of a mild degree (23%), closed fractures of the ribs (3%), self-healing dislocation of the humerus (1%), diaphyseal fractures of the forearm (3%), distal radial bone fractures (7%), and fractures of styloid process of the ulna (2%) were also noted. Conclusions. The main victims of road traffic accidents are pedestrians with polytrauma. The most common localization of fractures of the lower extremities is the diaphysis of the femur and the diaphysis of the shin bones.