Abstract
BACKGROUND
Baseline statistical data on the current orthopedic outpatient load was needed to highlight the more frequent orthopedic problems.
OBJECTIVE
Describe the frequency of orthopedic problems among patients attending the orthopedic outpatient department (OPD).
DESIGN
Descriptive, retrospective medical record review.
SETTINGS
Four-year data (2013-2017) was extracted from the computer records of patients attending the orthopedics OPD.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Computer entries of OPD visits were found, and after excluding incomplete and follow up data, age, gender, and diagnoses were described.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Frequency of orthopedic diagnoses.
SAMPLE SIZE AND CHARACTERISTICS
23 495 patients, 19 377 (82.5%) males and 4118 (17.5%) females, majority (18 155, 77.3%) 19-50 years of age.
RESULTS
Lower back pain (26%), tendinopathies and enthesopathies (18.3%), and bone fractures (11%) were the three common problems followed by arthritis (10.6%), nonspecific body ache (7.4%), and soft tissue injuries (9.9%). Others prominent diagnoses were ligamentous sprains (6.4%), neck-related problems (4.8%), joint stiffness (1.8%) and sports injuries (1%).
CONCLUSION
This overview of the orthopedic problems in a secondary care hospital may aid in the formulation of better protocols and strategies to manage orthopedic disorders in a healthcare setting.
LIMITATIONS
Retrospective and only included the primary diagnosis.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None.
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