C33) Injuries due to the Bam Earthquake in Iran

Abstract

Introduction:Iran is a country wim an area of 1,648,195 km2 with a population of >8,000,000 people. The devastating earthquake in the Bam District of Kerman Province struck on 26 December 2003 when the population was sleeping, and left a total of 29,878 dead and 22,628 injured. It had a magnitude of 7.4 on tbe Richter scale. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of physical injuries.Methods:The data of 206 patients were collected from the medical records.Results:The majority of patients were in the 20–29 year age group. The female/male ratio was 1.51. The overall mortality rate was 2%. Most frequent injuries were lower extremity, pelvic, and spinal fractures respectively. Of the extremity fractures, 4.9% had open fractures, 95.1% had closed, and 19 patients underwent fasiotomy due to compartment syndrome. Of the pelvic fractures, 7.9% were unstable. Of the cases, 32% with vertebral fractures had spinal cord injuries. Other injuries were less frequent and included pneumothorax, hemothorax, abdominal viscous injuries, rib fracture, and head injuries.Conclusions:The main problems in the victims were orthopedic. Hospitals must prepare to treat these injuries.