The Impact of Minor Injury Cases at a Level I Trauma Center: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction. Few studies have been done on the burden of minor injuries on trauma centers. Patients with minor injuries require care in the ED, which diverts staff time and resources from patients with more serious injuries and which can sometimes overwhelm the functioning of even the best trauma facility. Objective. This study was conducted to assess the burden of minor trauma and thus emphasize the need to develop further management protocols. Methods. A retrospective observational study was conducted at a level I trauma center for a period of 1 month (February 14, 2020 through March 14, 2020) to assess the burden of minor injuries at that facility. The study population included all patients who required ED care for minor injuries. Data collected included age, sex, time of presentation, anatomical region involved, and interventions done. Results. Of the 3293 patients, 1255 were triaged as green. Seven hundred ninety-one patients with 849 injuries required ED intervention in the minor operation theater. Of the 791 patients, most were male (84.32%), and 61.4% were aged 21 to 40 years. In decreasing order, the most common modes of injury were road traffic injuries (68.4%), fall (15%), and interpersonal violence (13.8%). Maxillofacial injuries were present in 26.15% of patients, 25.8% of patients presented with injuries to the head and neck, 24% with lower extremity injury, and 21.9% with upper extremity injury. Conclusions. The burden of minor trauma should be recognized. Knowledge of local trauma epidemiology and injury patterns is essential for trauma centers to function well. It is important that all trauma centers should have dedicated protocols in place and trained personnel to address these minor trauma cases.