Cattle horn injuries in rural India: A clinical study regarding pattern of injuries and their management

Abstract

Background: Cattle horn injuries are common in rural India, where people make their living rearing the livestock for domestic and farming purposes. Methods: A retrospective study of 40 patients with history of Cattle horn injury admitted to department of general surgery in S.S. Medical College, Rewa which is tertiary care hospital in central India. Study period was November 2016 and October 2018. Results: The vast majority of patients were male (70%), with only 12 women (30%). Male: Female ratio was 2.3:1. Maximum no. of patients belong to age group above 50 years of age. The commonest site of injury was in the abdomen followed by the perineum, back and lower limb. Most common type of injuries were Penetrating injuries followed by Blunt injury. Early surgical intervention was done in 72% of cases. Conclusions: Animals as cow, bull and buffalo are normally a docile and easily domesticated animals in rural parts of India. Injuries caused by these animals can be sometimes life threatening. Awareness in health care professionals about the mechanism of these injuries and a management protocol is necessary to avoid morbidity and mortality.