An Autopsy Based Retrospective Study on Pattern of Thoraco-Abdominal Injuries in Fatal Road Traffic Accidents of Kolar, South India

Abstract

Background: India is experiencing increasing road traffic accidents (RTA) amidst increasing motorization and
infrastructure growth in recent years. Every day, nearly 400 road deaths occur on Indian roads and several
thousands are hospitalized due to road crashes. WHO estimates the incidence of road deaths to be 16.6 per 100000
population in India1. With the aim of studying pattern and exploring various epidemiological characteristics of
RTAs, this retrospective study of medico-legal autopsies was conducted.
Aims & Objectives: 1 To study the pattern of thoraco-abdominal injuries (TAI) in fatal road traffic accidents in
Kolar. 2. To describe demographic profile and create public awareness on road safety.
Material & Methods: A retrospective autopsy based study of pattern of thoraco-abdominal injuries in victims of
fatal road traffic accidents was conducted in Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar (South India) from 1st January
2014 to 31st December 2014. A total of 192 RTA victims were referred for autopsy during the period of which
100 cases sustaining thoraco-abdominal injuries were studied.
Results: A total of 192 medicolegal autopsies were conducted on victims of road traffic accidents (RTA) during the
study period. Among them, 100 victims suffered thoraco-abdominal injuries, which accounted for 52.08% of the
cases. The highest number of victims belonged to the age group of 20-40 years, accounting for 48% of the cases.
In terms of gender distribution, males constituted 62.0% of the victims while females constituted 38.0%. The most
common injuries were to the liver, accounting for 37.75% of the total injuries. Other frequently affected body parts
included the spleen, lungs, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and spine.
Conclusion: The analyzed data provides clear evidence that road accidents are foreseeable and avoidable. To
make substantial improvements in road safety throughout India, it is essential to establish a robust and effective
national and state-level road safety authority, foster intersectoral coordination, and secure regular funding. Our
aim in sharing this article is to increase public awareness of the significance of road traffic injuries from a public
health perspective and to alleviate the weight of fatalities and injuries on our communities.