Frequency of orthopedic problems among patients attending an orthopedic outpatient department: a retrospective analysis of 23 495 cases.

BACKGROUND

Baseline statistical data on the current orthopedic outpatient load was needed to highlight the more frequent orthopedic problems.

OBJECTIVE

Describe the frequency of orthopedic problems among patients attending the orthopedic outpatient department (OPD).

DESIGN

Descriptive, retrospective medical record review.

SETTINGS

Four-year data (2013-2017) was extracted from the computer records of patients attending the orthopedics OPD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Computer entries of OPD visits were found, and after excluding incomplete and follow up data, age, gender, and diagnoses were described.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Frequency of orthopedic diagnoses.

SAMPLE SIZE AND CHARACTERISTICS

23 495 patients, 19 377 (82.5%) males and 4118 (17.5%) females, majority (18 155, 77.3%) 19-50 years of age.

RESULTS

Lower back pain (26%), tendinopathies and enthesopathies (18.3%), and bone fractures (11%) were the three common problems followed by arthritis (10.6%), nonspecific body ache (7.4%), and soft tissue injuries (9.9%). Others prominent diagnoses were ligamentous sprains (6.4%), neck-related problems (4.8%), joint stiffness (1.8%) and sports injuries (1%).

CONCLUSION

This overview of the orthopedic problems in a secondary care hospital may aid in the formulation of better protocols and strategies to manage orthopedic disorders in a healthcare setting.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective and only included the primary diagnosis.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.