Abstract

Accidental falls from heights are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They are often associated with serious injuries and can have long-term consequences for the affected individuals.Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the pattern of injuries in cases of accidental falls from heights.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 12 months. All patients who presented to the emergency department with injuries resulting from accidental falls from heights were included in the study. Demographic information, fall details, and injury patterns were recorded. The injuries were classified according to body regions involved and the severity of the injuries.Results: A total of 150 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were males (n=95, 63.3%) with a mean age of 42.7 years (SD=14.5). Falls from buildings accounted for the highest proportion of cases (n=85, 56.7%), followed by falls from ladders (n=40, 26.7%) and falls from trees (n=25, 16.6%). The most frequently injured body regions were the extremities (n=120, 80%), followed by the head and neck (n=65, 43.3%). Fractures were the most common type of injury, accounting for 68% of all injuries. Among the fracture cases, lower limb fractures were the most common (n=70, 46.6%). In terms of severity, 45% of the patients had mild injuries, 32% had moderate injuries, and 23% had severe injuries.Conclusion: Accidental falls from heights result in a wide range of injuries, with fractures being the most common type of injury. Lower limb fractures were particularly prevalent. Understanding the pattern of injuries can aid in developing preventive strategies and improving management protocols for patients who experience falls from heights.

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