Pattern of head injury in road traffic accidents in mewar region, Rajasthan: A retrospective study at tertiary care teaching hospital

The incidences of head injuries are growing with increasing number of high speed motor vehicle, more movement of the public and mechanization in industry. Head injury is most common cause of mortality in road traffic accidents. A retrospective record based study was conducted. Information pertinent to all head injury cases reporting to Trauma & Emergency and Neurosurgery Department, Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur during the period between January 2015 to December 2015 was collected. The study was undertaken in victims of road traffic accidents to find out the pattern of head injuries, their age and sex distribution and site distribution of different types of fractures.

The highest incidence (31.32%) was seen in age group of 21–30 years and among males (76.6%). In present study, most (49.8%) accidents occurred between 6 PM to 12 AM. The motor-cyclists were the commonest group of victims (38.49%) and four wheeler being the commonest offending vehicles (50.56%). Intracranial haemorrhages were seen in 248 (93.6%) cases, skull fractures were found in 190 (71.69%) cases. Subdural haemorrhage was the commonest (40.72%) haemorrhage observed. Linear fracture of skull (24.5%) was the commonest type and frontal region (25.28%) was involved predominantly.

Our study shows that head injuries are very common in road traffic accidents, males are mostly affected and mainly four wheelers are the offending vehicles responsible for accidents of motorcyclists and pedestrians. Head injury is the main reason for mortality and it is alarming and highlights the need for urgent action.