Falling Gate Injuries in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Phillip D. Eyimina¹, Mike T. Achor¹ and Richard C. Echem^1,

¹Department of Orthopaedics, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Post code – 500001, Rivers State, Nigeria

Cite this paper:
Phillip D. Eyimina, Mike T. Achor and Richard C. Echem. Falling Gate Injuries in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine. 2023; 11(1):30-38. doi: 10.12691/ajmsm-11-1-3

Abstract

Background: Gates are points of entry or exit to areas defined by fences. These gates facilitate traffic control and flow. Gates made from various materials can be either manually-operated or power-operated. Gates can fall from their support, inflicting injuries to victims. This study aims to highlight injuries resulting from falling gates as seen in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive observational study of injuries from falling gates as seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and other private hospitals within Port Harcourt from 1^st January 2006 to 31^st December 2022. Their age, sex, type of gate involved, place of occurrence of the falling gate, probable cause of the falling gate, injuries sustained, definitive treatment given, duration of hospital stay, complications, follow up, and the outcome were recorded. Descriptive statistics were utilized in the data analysis. Results: During the seventeen years, 33 patients sustained injuries from falling gates. Their ages ranged from 5 to 49 years with an average of 23.24 years. The most affected age group was 10-19 years (33.33%). There was male preponderance. Majority (96.97%) were sliding metallic gates. Majority (81.82%) occurred in residential buildings. The most frequent cause of the falling gate was entrapped sand in the track (33.33%). The common injuries were tibiofibular fractures (11) and femoral fractures (11). Majority (84.62%) of the fractures were close. Various definitive treatment measures were utilized. Hospital stay was one to 70 days. Complications included superficial surgical site infection, pressure ulcer, and delayed union. Follow up duration was four to 28 months. Thirty-one patients were treated, and all recovered. Conclusion: Falling gate injuries are not common. They can affect all body regions. There is a need to consider the morbidity and mortality that can result and ensure that standards are maintained in gate design, manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance.

Keywords:
falling gates sliding swing injuries Port Harcourt

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