Citation

Holmdahl L, Ortenwall P. Eur. J. Surg. 1997; 163(2): 83-92.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, Ostra Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Taylor & Francis)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9076433

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To document the occurrence, causes, severity and consequences of accidental injuries over a time period May 1989-May 1992. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: County of Alingsås, Sweden. SUBJECTS: 33,000 inhabitants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence, age, sex, activity preceding accident, mechanism of trauma, type of injury and injury severity score (ISS). RESULTS: The yearly incidence was 14.7% (n = 4,867), and a third of them occurred within the home. The largest percentage (36%) happened during spare time activities, followed by sports (18%), and on the road (11%). Only 34 (0.7%) were severe injuries (ISS > 12). Most injuries (67%) occurred in people below the age of 40. The risk of getting injured was the same for elderly (> 75) as for young people, and 9% of all those who were injured were admitted to hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Injuries were a common reason for seeking medical attention, but only 1 in 10 needed admission to hospital. Most injuries occurred at home during spare time activities. Serious injuries were rare.

Language: en