Assault induced stab injuries: Epidemiology and actual treatment strategy

AbstractObjectives : To investigate and analyse epidemiology, demographics and patterns of presentation of assault induced stab injuries in a main Belgian trauma centre. To evaluate surgical management, complications and postoperative follow-up of the stab wound victims.Methods : One hundred and seventy assaulted patients, hospitalised because of stab injuries from January 2000 to June 2007 are studied retrospectively.Results : Ninety-five percent of the assaults occurred on men and the mean age of the patients was 31.1 ± 9.7 years. Ethnic minorities represent 77% of the patients hospitalised for assaults and 26.5% of all patients proved to be under toxic influence, predominantly from alcohol (21.8%). A decline of admissions of patients with stab injuries during the period 20022004 is recorded. However, the incidence doubled in the next two-year period. A weekend peak and circadian rhythm is apparent with more than 20% of the patients admitted between 4 and 6 am. The trunk is most frequently stabbed (54.5...