Limb fractures in adults: socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic aspects at Panzi General Referral Hospital, DR Congo

Abstract

Introduction: Trauma to the limbs is a calamity that affects all social strata. The usual aetiologies of limb fractures largely incriminate public road accidents; certain professions expose to risks as well as to the severity of accidents. Traditional treatment is an obstacle to management. This study will determine the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of limb fractures in adults at the Hôpital Général de Référence de Panzi (HGR de Panzi).
Method: This was a prospective, descriptive study analyzed using Epi info7 software.
Results: Limb fractures occurred at a rate of 3.2%, with a mean age of 40±1 years, ranging from 20 to 71 years. Motorcyclists accounted for 22.2% of the study population.The incident was caused in 68.5% of cases by MVAs, with a predominance of bills to two leg bones (31. 5%).Surgical treatment accounted for 58.3% of interventions, with the external fixator accounting for 57.1%.
Conclusion: The frequency of limb fractures is high, the etiologies are represented by MVA and the two leg bones are the most concerned, followed by femur fractures. Reliance on traditional medicine makes treatment difficult. A better health and traffic
safety policy would reduce their frequency and improve management.