Incidence of severe injuries. Results of a population-based analysis

It is still unknown exactly how many persons sustain a severe injury (ISS less than or equal to 16) in Germany each year. Considering the growing restrictions and the introduction of DRGs, it was necessary to acquire data about this rather resource-intensive aspect of trauma care. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the incidence of severe trauma within a defined population. In a retrospective study all surgical emergencies within a 5-year period (1996-2000) were reviewed. Data on type, pattern, severity of injury, and mortality were extracted from the patients' records. During the study period 454 persons sustained a severe injury (ISS greater than or equal to 16), 112 individuals died at the scene of the accident, and 64 during the hospital stay. The average ISS of the surviving patients was 27 (ISS 16-75). The calculated incidence of severe trauma was 25/100,000 inhabitants per year. Extrapolated, up to 40,000 persons sustain a severe injury each year in Germany. For the first time, this study has provided data on the incidence of major trauma in Germany. Based on the acquired data and a previous cost analysis, hospital treatment costs for severely injured patients amount to up to 2 billion Euros per year in Germany.