Head, face and neck camel-related injuries: Biomechanics and severity

Introduction: Large animal-related human injuries are associated with high morbidity and mortality. There are no studies on biomechanics of the camel-related head, face, and neck (HFN) injuries. We aimed to study the mechanism, anatomical distribution and severity of camel-related HFN injuries. Methods: We analyzed our prospectively collected data of patients who were admitted to Al Ain Hospital with camel-related HFN injury during the period of October 2001 to January 2010. Results: Seventy-three patients were studied; all were males having a median (range) age of 28 (5–89) years. Camel kick was the most common mechanism of injury (45%) followed by falling from a camel (22%). Facial fractures were significantly more common in patients who were kicked by a camel. Severe head injuries were significantly more in patients who fell from a camel or who had a car collision with a camel. Car collision with a camel was significantly associated with lower cervical spine fractures (p = 0.017) and severe cervical spine injuries (p = 0.004). Two patients died (overall mortality 3%) Conclusions: Our study provides an insight into the complex biomechanics and severity of camel-related HFN injuries. It is essential to adopt protective measures in our community so as to reduce camel-related HFN injuries.