AGRICULTURE RELATED INJURIES

Abstract

Traumatic injuries related to agricultural related profession can lead to seriousdisability and even mortality. Objectives: To study the spectrum of agricultural productionrelated injuries and their management outcome in General Surgical unit. Study Design:RetrospectiveDescriptive, Interventional. Study Period: January 2012 to December 2013.Setting: Surgical Department Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital Gujrat & Surgicaldepartment Islam Medical & Dental College Sialkot. Material & Methods: Data of 33 patientsinvolved in an accident and sustained injury while operating agriculture machine/ equipmentis being presented with reference to age, gender, nature of injury, type of equipment /machineinvolved and management outcome. Results: Record of total 33 patients with agriculturerelated injuries was analysed retrospectively. Male population is more involved in agriculturerelated accidents seen in 20 out of 33 patients (60.6%), female involvement in such accidentsis not uncommon seen in 13 patients (39.9%). Fodder Cutter (TOKA) was the commonestagricultural equipment found involved in 17 (51.5%) cases. Traumatic amputation both minor ormajor type of upper limb was most frequent injury seen in 19 (57.7%) cases and infection wasthe commonest complication occurred in 13 cases. Fournier’s gangrene and tetanus was themost dreadful complication with 100% mortality. Overall mortality was 03.03%. Conclusions:Agriculture machinery related accidents cause serious injuries that lead to disability, morbidityand often mortality. Victims are usually young. Awareness campaigns regarding hazards andsafety measures in using agriculture machinery should be launched with the help of media.Re-implantation / re-vascularization surgery must be considered in case of limb amputations inselected cases.