Aftermath Türkiye's double earthquake: detailed analysis of fracture characteristics and acute management from a level I trauma center.

BACKGROUND: This research investigated surgical interventions for the treatment of extremity and pelvic fractures and aimed to provide an analysis of management challenges under crisis conditions in a Level I Trauma Center after Türkiye's February 6, 2023, earthquakes. METHODS: The study was a retrospective examination of the medical records of 243 fracture cases associated with the earthquakes. The age, gender, time of admission, types of extremity and pelvic fractures, anatomical localizations, and surgical treatment methods for fractures were recorded. The results of these parameters were evaluated in detail, together with the results of other surgical treatments performed in the hospital in the first week after the disaster, such as fasciotomy, amputation, and wound debridement. RESULTS: Most of the 243 (119 males and 124 females) patients with extremity fractures and pelvic fractures receiving surgical treatment were adults (n = 182, 74.9%). The most common lower extremity fractures among all fracture cases were tibial shaft (30.8%) and femoral shaft (20.6%) fractures. A total of 33 patients had surgical procedures for the treatment of two or more significant bone fractures involving either the extremity or the pelvic ring. The analysis showed that the median age of patients who underwent surgery due to extremity and pelvic fractures was 36 years, with a range of 1 to 91 years, which was statistically increased compared to patients who received surgery for other musculoskeletal injuries such as fasciotomy, amputation and debridement (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fractures were one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the first days after earthquakes, and the management of fractures differs significantly from soft tissue injuries and amputation surgeries as they require implants, special instruments, and imaging devices. The delivery of healthcare is often critically impaired after a severe earthquake. Shortages of consumables such as orthopedic implants, power drills, fluoroscopy equipment, and the need for additional staff should be addressed immediately after the earthquake, ideally by the end of the first day.

The 2023 Turkey Earthquake: Management of 627 Pediatric Musculoskeletal Injuries in the First Month.

(1) Background: On 6February 2023, two consecutive earthquakes hit Kahramanmaras and surrounding ten cities, killing over 50,000 people. We aimed to reveal the treatment process of pediatric patients admitted to Adana City Hospital (ACH) in the first month after the earthquake. (2) Methods: Demographic data of the patients, time of presentation to the emergency department, injury locations, treatment procedures, and patient file information were recorded retrospectively and evaluated statistically. (3) Results: There were 1246 patients under the age of 18. A total of 560 patients were hospitalized in the orthopedic clinic; 42% were admitted in the first 24 h and 58% in the first three days. Of these children, 69 (12%) were referred, 52 (10%) were transferred to other departments within the hospital, and 421 (75.2%) were discharged in stable condition. The number of patients with large bone fractures was 77 (34 open fractures). Fasciotomy surgery was performed on 131 patients, 78 of whom had bilateral procedures. Of the 31 patients who underwent amputation, 17 (55%) were performed within the first 24 h and 28 (90%) within the first week. (4) Conclusions: Almost all injured children are admitted to the hospital during the first few days after an earthquake. The management of earthquake injuries in pediatric patients requires specialized care and immediate attention during the treatment process.