INORMUS 5,000: Large Observational Study of Orthopedic Trauma Patients

INTRODUCTION

Global Epidemic of Trauma: Injuries from trauma accidents have been rapidly increasing in number worldwide and particularly so in developing countries. Approximately 5.8 million people die every year from traumatic injuries, accounting for 10% of the world's deaths. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, trauma will be the third largest killer in the developing world by 2020. Moreover, for every death, several thousand individuals will suffer impairments, frequently with disabling consequences. Among the Southern Asian countries, India has the highest incidence of deaths due to physical injuries (117 deaths per 100,000 individuals). Physical injuries account for 10% of deaths, 20-25% of hospitalizations, and one third of disabilities. As this trend is growing, it is leading to an increase in the number of physical injury hospitalizations. Most developing nations, where trauma burden is escalating, have little empirical data on types of injuries, access to care, and management approaches. The investigators propose a prospective study in India (the second most populous country in the world) to examine fracture burden and provide the foundation for future collaboration and research. This study is fundamental to understanding the global burden of trauma and the design of future pragmatic randomized trials to improve function and quality of life around the world.

WHO Decade of Road Traffic Safety: This study directly aligns with the start of the Global Road Traffic Safety Decade 2011-2020 (World Health Organization), as well as our Department of Surgery's International Surgery Program. The Canadian Orthopaedic Association's 'call to action' to Canadian centers towards bridging gaps in knowledge and research in trauma in Low and Middle Income Countries further vindicates the rationale for INORMUS.

METHODS

Design Overview: Between October 2011 and March 2012, the investigators conducted a multicenter, prospective observational study of patients sustaining fractures and presenting to orthopaedic fracture units across 14 hospitals in India. 4,659 patients during an 8-week period were enrolled.