Analyzing the Rate of Lower Limb Bone Fractures and Repair among Men and Women in Three Tertiary Health Institutions of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to analyze lower limb fractures among male and female patients at three health institutions in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Lower limb fractures are global public health concern, causing long-term disability and economic burden. Past research suggests that factors like bone density and lifestyle may influence fracture risk differently in men and women. However, there is a lack of region-specific studies in Akwa Ibom State. Methodology: The study analyzed medical records from three major health institutions over a three-year period. Statistical analysis was used to identify gender-specific patterns in fracture occurrence and surgical interventions. Results:  The findings revealed differences in causes and surgical outcomes between male and female patients. The study also revealed variations in the success rates and failure rates of surgical interventions associated with the different causes of fractures, with falls, accidents, and gunshot injuries presenting different outcomes. Notably, fall-related fractures exhibited a 100% success rate in some instances, while accident-related fractures demonstrated varied success rates ranging from 72.27% to 94.4%. It was observed that in all the years, accident related cases were the main cause with a percentage ranging from 58.82% to 92.59%, followed by falls which had a percentage ranging from 3.23% to 29.82%, and then gunshot which had the least with a percentage ranging from 2.44% to 32.35%. Furthermore, the surgery failure rates for accident-related fractures varied, highlighting the complexities involved in managing fractures resulting from traumatic incidents. Conclusion: Our findings can help healthcare practitioners and policymakers to develop targeted preventive measures and improve orthopedic care in Akwa Ibom State.