OBJECTIVETrauma in India is an increasingly significant problem, particularly in light of rapid development and increasing motorization. Social changes are resulting in alterations in the epidemiology of trauma. The aim of the study was to assess the various epidemiological parameters that influence the cause of injury in the patients admitted to a major trauma centre in northern India.

METHODSAn observational study of 748 patients chosen by random assortment was carried out over a period of 1 year (August 2008 to July 2009). Age, sex, injury type and pattern were noted. Injury mode of upper and lower limbs was also noted.

RESULTSInjuries occur predominately in the age group of 15-30 years. Males incurred more injury with male to female ratio of 6:1. The most vulnerable group was motorcycle users. Among the injured, farmers were the most commonly involved. Blunt injuries (94.92%) were much more common than penetrating injuries. Among patients with head injury, two-wheeler related accidents were the most common (40.3%). Most spinal cord injuries were caused by falls from height (51.09%). Most lower limb fractures were simple type. Compound fractures of the lower limb were more common than upper limb fractures.

CONCLUSIONStrict enforcement of traffic rules, combined with improved infrastructure and behavior change can decrease the burden of road traffic accidents in India and other developing countries. This study could assist in raising the profile of road traffic accidents as a public health problem which needs to be addressed as a preventable cause of mortality and morbidity, and planning appropriate interventions for this major challenge. Preventive strategies should be made on the basis of these epidemiological trends.