Analysis of Fatal Blunt Force Head Injuries in cases of Road Traffic Accidents- A study from Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad

Road traffic accidents are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with significant implications in India due to its vast and diverse population. Post-mortem studies provide crucial insights into the epidemiology, causes and characteristics of fatal head injuries, informing prevention and management strategies in case of road traffic accidents. This study aims to analyse the epidemiological profile of head injury cases subjected to post mortem, identifying patterns in demographic factors, causes of injury and anatomical characteristics of blunt force head trauma. In this study, analysis was done for blunt force head injury in road traffic accident cases brought to the mortuary of Civil Hospital, B.J Medical College, Ahmedabad, over a one year period from January to December (2019). Among 1138 cases of road traffic accidents, 847 cases with head injury were selected. Data on age, gender, cause of injury, type and location of blunt force head trauma and associated injuries were collected, analysed and compared with other similar studies. Of 847 head injury cases, majority were males and age group of 21 – 40 Years. 43 % of study population died within 1 hour. Predominantly two wheeler’s were involved in RTA and without safety measures. 43.5% of cases showed laceration as external injury and 53.4% of study population showed linear fracture of skull. This study on blunt head injury cases reveals critical epidemiological trends, emphasizing the need for enhanced road safety measures and public awareness. The findings underscore the importance of targeted prevention strategies and improved trauma care to reduce fatalities from head injuries in India.