Abstract
IntroductionBull-related injuries are commonly observed in rural areas of India as result of the animal’s use in sporting events as well as for agricultural purposes. These patients need early resuscitation due to complications from severe injuries. Previous work examining the epidemiology of bull-related injuries is limited, with most studies focusing on injuries in Spain and Latin America. There is scant literature examining the prevalence of such injuries in India. The objective of this study was to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of bull-related injuries at a hospital in Tamil Nadu, India.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational study of patients who presented to an emergency department (ED) in Madurai, India, with a reported history of bull-related injuries between June 2017 and March 2019. We recorded information about patient demographics, location of injury, disposition, initial Injury Severity Score (ISS), and transport time.ResultsOur sample included a total of 42 patients. Almost a third of patients who presented were between the ages of 20–30 years (31%, n = 13), and most were male (86%, n = 36). Approximately 59% of patients (n = 25) had provoked injuries, occurring as a result of active participation during sporting activities. Injuries to the trunk were most common (55%, n = 23), followed by injuries to the perineum (19%, n = 19). The majority of patients (59.5%) had penetrating injuries (n = 25), The mean ISS was 10.1 (standard deviation 6.3). Five (12%) patients had a complication after injury including intra-abdominal abscess formation, peritonitis, and sepsis. Two patients died as a result of septicemia from peritonitis.ConclusionBull-related injuries may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Education of the population about the dangers of bull injuries from sporting events and the need for early transportation to the ED have the potential for significant reduction in morbidity and mortality.
Highlights
Bull-related injuries are commonly observed in rural areas of India as result of the animal’s use in sporting events as well as for agricultural purposes
Almost a third of patients who presented were between the ages of 20-30 years (31%, n = 13), and most were male (86%, n = 36)
Education of the population about the dangers of bull injuries from sporting events and the need for early transportation to the emergency department (ED) have the potential for significant reduction in morbidity and mortality. [West J Emerg Med. 2020;21(6)291-294.]
Summary
Bull-related injuries are commonly observed in rural areas of India as result of the animal’s use in sporting events as well as for agricultural purposes. These patients need early resuscitation due to complications from severe injuries. Bull-related injuries are commonly seen in Tamil Nadu, India, due to the frequent use of bulls in daily agricultural activities as well as in sporting events. Bull-related Injuries in a Southern Indian ED supporting the livelihood of Indian farmers As part of this event, the bull is released into a confined area and participants alternate attempts to stop its movement by embracing its hump.[1] Most of these events occur in rural areas, where emergency care is scarce. Most bull injuries are penetrating, occurring as a result of direct goring from the horn.[2,3] Blunt injuries can occur as a result of the force sustained from impact with the ground after being thrown from the bull.[2,3] The size and contamination of bull horns complicate penetrating injuries due to a higher incidence of wound infection and delayed healing.[3]
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