Epidemiology and Pattern of Trauma Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Trauma Center in Western Rajasthan: A Study from Jodhpur Trauma Center

Abstract

Trauma is a significant cause of mortality and long-term disability in India. Region-specific hospital-based trauma data are essential to understand local injury trends and to improve trauma care delivery and prevention strategies. This study analyzes the epidemiology, injury patterns, mechanisms, and outcomes of trauma patients admitted to a tertiary care trauma center in Western Rajasthan.

Methods

A hospital-based observational study was conducted at the Jodhpur Trauma Center over a period of one year. Trauma patients admitted on systematically selected days of each week were included. Data collected comprised demographic characteristics, physiological parameters at admission, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), mechanism of injury, anatomical distribution of injuries, referral status, and treatment outcomes. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 67,940 trauma patients were analyzed. The mean age was 39.8 ± 15.7 years, and 67.60% of patients were male. Road traffic accidents were responsible for 49.9% of injuries, followed by falls (23.54%). Head injuries (30.9%) and lower limb injuries (31.5%) were the most common. The mean ISS was 11.6 ± 6.8, and mean GCS at admission was 12.7 ± 3.9. Referred patients had longer injury-to-admission intervals and lower GCS scores. In-hospital mortality was 16.2%, with one-year mortality rising to 22.4%.

Conclusion

Neurotrauma and orthopaedic injuries constitute the bulk of trauma admissions. Road traffic accidents remain the leading cause, particularly involving two-wheelers. Delayed access to definitive trauma care continues to adversely affect outcomes, emphasizing the need for strengthening prehospital and referral systems.This study raising the road traffic accidents as a public health problem which should be addressed as a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality.