Falls from Heights

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Abstract
Summary A review of 200 patients who fell from various heights is reported. The age incidence was greatest in the first three decades, the first decade being greatest. The higher the fall, the greater the mortality. Statistically, the 0–10 year and over 50 years age groups had the same mortality rate. The condition of the patient on ad-mission influenced survival. Patients who entered the hospital comatose or in shock had a greater mortality rate. Multiple injuries of long bones or visceral injuries alone did not affect survival, but these injuries associated with either pelvic or skull fractures increased mortality. Patients with vertebral fractures had minimal clinical symptoms and the association of vertebral and os calcis fractures was not frequent in these vertical deceleration injuries. Clinical management of patients with multiple injuries is discussed.