Neurosurgical aspects of falls from flat-roofed houses

Abstract

Objective: This study analyzed the current incidence and characteristics of neurosurgical injuries after falls from flat-roofed houses in Adiyaman. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated data of 31 patients who fell from flat-roofed houses and consulted the neurosurgery unit between January and December 2017 at Adiyaman University Hospital, Turkey. Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results: There were 19 male and 12 female patients [mean age, 16.8 (range: 1–78) years; <18 years = 77%]. The 2017 crude rate of falls in Adiyaman was 5/100,000 cases. Mean fall height was 2.8 ± 1.0 (2–6) m. The number of cases is significantly higher in months with temperature >33°C (June–September) than those <33°C (p = 0.006). The most common pathology on initial computed tomography was isolated linear fracture (38%). Five patients (2 cranial, 3 spinal) underwent surgery. All patients, except one, reported no or acceptable symptoms in their first outpatient clinic visit. The overall mortality rate was 0%. Conclusion: High falls from flat-roofed houses are still a common cause of neurosurgical injury. However, the current incidence in Adiyaman is currently not as high as the rates 20 years ago in Diyarbakir, a neighboring city with similar lifestyles.