89.
Correlation between fractures and weather specific road conditions in
an urban area
Morten Torrild Thomsen, Troels Riis, Bo Sommer, Henrik Jørgensen,
Lauritzen Jes, Benn Duus
Orthopedic Surgery Bispebjerg Hospital; Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg
Hospital; Danish Road Directorate, ; Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital;
Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital; Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg
Hospital
Background:
Weather conditions have been shown to have an impact on
orthopedic referrals. The literature shows differing results when comparing
patient flow with types of winter weather. The present study is based on data
of road conditions.
Purpose / Aim of Study:
To examine the correlation between defined road
conditions and frequency in fractures admitted to an ER in an urban area for a
period of two winters (09/10-10/11).
Materials and Methods:
Data was collected on all patients with fractures
(
except fractures of the head) admitted to the ER at Bispebjerg Hospital.
Subgroups where defined based on type of fracture (humerus, malleoli, Colles
and hip) and age (age groups: <14; 15-29; 30-44; 45-59; >60 ). Data on road
conditions in the catchment area was obtained from The Danish Road
Directorate. The following conditions were identified: Temperature (T) < 0°C,
T<-5°C; ice or snow on the road; and ice alert (IA) triggered by a combination
of low temperature and presence of moisture. The association between number
of fractures and presence of one of the defined road conditions on the same
day was analyzed using T-tests.
Findings / Results:
Mean number of fractures per day varied significantly
depending on the presence of T<0°C = 12.7 compared to T >0°C = 10.2*; T<-
5
°C=14.3 compared to T >-5°C= 10.6*; and IA = 14.7 compared to no IA =
10.8*.
Presence of IA was significantly different in the fracture types with the
largest impact on malleoli IA=1.5 vs. no IA=0.7*. The impact of IA increased
with age: mean by age 45-59 IA=2.9 vs. no IA=1.8*, age >60 IA=3.1 vs. no
IA=1.9* (*P<0.001).
Conclusions:
Trauma admissions and number of fractures increased when
wintery road conditions were present. This may have implications in
prevention and in planning of staff in the ER and orthopedic wards.
