Machete injuries as seen in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND

The morbidity and mortality of machete-related injuries is rather appreciable in Nigeria although it is under-reported. Machetes are multipurpose tools in the farm, home and construction sites. Machetes may also be used as a close-range weapon. In Nigeria, there is no legislation guiding their Acquisition, so they are readily available in many homes. Injuries from machetes could be as detrimental as fatal or non-fatal with long-term morbidity.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study to assess the pattern and outcome of patients presenting with machete injuries in Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, from January 2003 to December 2007.

RESULTS

Of 76 patients, 74 met the criteria for the study. The male:female ratio was 10:1. The youth were commonly affected and the average age was 27.86 years. Assaults accounted for 96% of cases whilst accidental injuries accounted for 4% of cases. Early presentation, multiple machete wounds and involvement of head and upper extremities were common. Peripheral nerve palsy was the most common complication and haemorrhagic shock the most common cause of death. Sixty-one patients (87.14%) had complete recovery, and six patients (8.51%) recovered with morbidity. Death occurred in three patients (4.29%).

CONCLUSIONS

Management of machete injuries in a developing nation can be quite challenging. Assault with homicidal intention was the major aetiological factor in our own environment and may be a very important and under-recognised aspect of the injuries. Appropriate injury-prevention mechanisms and other aspects of trauma care are recommended.