Vol. 10, Issue 2 (2024)

Introduction: Road traffic accidents pose a significant public health issue, resulting in 1.2 million deaths annually and ranking as the 8th leading cause of mortality worldwide. Limb trauma is a common traumatic emergency, often occurring as a result of road traffic accidents. This study aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of limb trauma related to road traffic accidents at Bonassama District Hospital.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that included all patients admitted and managed for limb trauma at Bonassama District Hospital between February and June 2023 (five months). Sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic parameters were described and compared with existing literature.

Results: Overall, the frequency of limb trauma due to road traffic accidents was 94.9%. A total of 241 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 32.5 ± 6 years, ranging from 5 to 70 years. Males accounted for 58% of the population, with a sex ratio of 1.39. Motorcycle taxi riders were the most affected victims (28.22%), and motorcycle-to-motorcycle collision was the most common injury mechanism (48.54%). Lower limbs were the most affected (62.66%). Pain was a functional sign present in all patients, and fractures were the most frequently encountered injuries (63.9% of cases). Traumatic brain injury was the most commonly associated injury (86.67%). Transverse fractures were the most frequent type (45.45%), with the tibia being the most commonly fractured bone (34%). Sixty-five point fifty-six percent (65.56%) of patients were admitted within the first 6 hours after the accident, and 39.83% received treatment 12 hours after admission. All patients received medical treatment, with osteosynthesis being the most commonly associated surgical treatment (72.58%), while circular plaster cast was the most frequent orthopedic treatment (65.67%). Sixty-two percent (62%) of admitted patients had a hospital stay exceeding 24 hours.

Conclusion: Road traffic accidents remain a major issue in our country. Raising awareness and protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and motorcyclists are urgent priorities.