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.