Background/aim: Ear, nose and throat (ENT) injuries are a problem in children and
adults worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the patterns, etiological
factors, management and outcomes of ear, nose and throat injuries in Ido Ekiti,
Nigeria.
Methods: This was a prospective study of consecutive patients with Ear, Nose
and Throat injuries that presented through accident and emergency (A&E) unit
and were managed at our Centre between June 2011 and May 2013 (24 months
period). Data collected included patients’ demography; type and pattern of
injuries sustained, clinical presentation, causes as well as outcome of treatment.
Injuries recorded were classified based on their mechanisms into RTA, falls,
assault, gunshot and burns related.
Results: Out of 473 patients seen in Accident and Emergency that had trauma
during the study period, a total of 116 patients had ear, nose and throat related
injury. Out of these about 94 patients (81.0%) were males and 22 (19.0%) were
females giving a male: female ratio of 4.3:1. Their age ranged was from 2-71 years
with a mean of 35.89 ± 17.24 SD years. The highest number of injuries occurred
within the age group of 21-40 years accounting for 53.4%. Traders/Business
accounted for 31.0% of the injured patients. The commonest cause of injury was
road traffic accident in 84 (72.4%). Majority (59.5%), of the patients presents
in the accident and emergency unit within 6 h of injury. Nasal injuries were the
commonest in 53.6% patients. Traumatic epistaxis was the highest presentation in
nasal injury whereas Bruises, abrasions, lacerations and cuts were major injuries
to the ear. Wound debridement/suturing and dressings were the commonest
treatment offered in 69.8% of the patients. No mortality related to ENT injuries
was recorded.
Conclusion: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) remain the leading cause of ear, nose
and throat injuries in our center. Nasal injuries were the commonest. Majority of
these injuries can be prevented through health education, public enlightenment
campaigns. Early presentation is recommended to reduce morbidity and mortality