Pattern of Injuries among Victims of Motor Car Accidents admitted to Tanta University Emergency Hospital

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt

2 Emergency Medicine and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

Abstract

Background: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are one of the leading causes of death and disability 
worldwide. Trauma patterns will depend on the victim's position. Determination of the pattern of 
injuries in both pedestrians and car occupants is a step to improve road safety. Objectives: To 
evaluate the pattern of injuries among pedistrians, drivers and passengers of motor car accidents 
admitted to Tanta University Emergency Hospital. Methodology: It was a prospective crosssectional study that was conducted on victims of motor car accidents admitted to Tanta 
University Emergency Hospital from the 1st of November 2021 to the end of October 2022. 
Socio-demographic, details of accident, clinical evaluation, and pattern of injuries, treatment and 
outcomes were recorded. Injury Severity Score (ISS) and New Injury Severity Score (NISS) 
were calculated. Results: 86 victims of motor car accidents were admitted to Tanta Emergency 
Hospital (38 pedestrians, 41 driver and 7 passengers). There was a significant association 
between head & neck, facial &chest injuries and the studied groups with a significantly higher 
incidence among pedestrians. The face skin injuries were significantly higher among passengers. 
Upper limb, lower limb and spine injuries were higher among drivers. Conclusion:
Identification of pedestrians, drivers and passengers could be based on pattern of sustained 
injuries. Concerning pedestrians, head & neck injuries, facial injuries and chest injuries were 
characteristic. Drivers showed different combination as, upper & lower limbs injuries together 
with spine injuries were most detected. Face skin injuries were the most specific injuries that 
occurred in passengers
Received in original form: 23 December 2022 Accepted in a final form: 31 May 2023

Keywords