Demographics, nature and treatment of orthopaedic trauma injuries occurring in an agricultural context in the West of Ireland

Background: Farming is a major industry in the West of Ireland. This prospective study examined the age profile, nature and treatment of orthopaedic injuries occurring in agricultural surroundings presenting at the Orthopaedic Unit of Merlin Park Hospital, Galway. Methods: The cohort consisted of 70 direct or indirect farm employees presenting with orthopaedic injuries caused in an accident occurring on a farm. Results: There were significantly (P < 0.01) more male than female farmers (73 vs. 27%) with a mean age of 63 years (ranging from 13 to 87 years). Average number of out-patient visits related to the injury was 3.6. Injuries involving livestock resulted in the majority of accidents (P < 0.05) with a significant rise in the number of visits with increasing age (P <0.01) with older patients having more severe injuries. Soft tissue injuries and fractures were commonly encountered. Complex fractures were the slowest injury to heal requiring eight subsequent outpatient visits.