assault-related limb injuries seen in a tertiary institution in nigeria

Interpersonal violence seems to be on the increase worldwide. This is known to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate limb injuries that are related to assault seen in ESUT Teaching Hospital Park lane, Enugu, Nigeria. The limbs are very important in economic survival and its loss or dysfunction could create serious disability and jeopardize survival. This was a prospective study carried out between March 2012 and February 2013 in the Forensic Clinic of ESUT Teaching Hospital Park lane, Enugu. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the victims off assault visiting the Forensic Clinic of the Hospital. Data was analyzed using simple statistical methods. A total of 1928 individuals visited the Forensic Clinic during the study period. 233 of them sustained one form of injury or the other. Limb injuries occurred in 88 (37.7%) of injured victims. Upper limb and lower limb injuries occurred in 71.6% (n = 63) and 18.2% (n = 16) respectively and 10.2% (n = 9) had injuries involving both upper and lower limbs. Male to female ration is 1.6:1. The commonest weapon of assault was knife 22.7% followed by wood 18.1% and teeth 16.0%. Workman\'s tools and bottle accounted for 13.6% and 11.4% respectively. The youngest victim was 15 years and the oldest 65 years. The modal age range of victims was 21 and ndash; 30 years 43.1% (n and ndash; 38) and mean age is 34.1 years. Laceration 44.3% (n and ndash; 39) was the commonest soft tissue injury seen and bone fracture was seen in 3.4% (n and ndash; 3) of cases. Most of the injuries occurred in business or work place 37.5% (N and ndash; 33), closely followed by attacks in the living quarters 36.4% (n and ndash; 32). The upper limb is a common site of injury during assault probably because most individuals would attempt to protect themselves using their hands. Weapons used in assault are those commonly found at the point of assault and active young people are easily involved.