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Pubmed for Handhelds

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  • Title: [Injured elderly victims of bag-snatching treated at Odense University Hospital 1996-2000].
    Author: Faergemann C, Mikkelsen JB, Wedderkopp N, Skov O.
    Journal: Ugeskr Laeger; 2002 May 20; 164(21):2768-71. PubMed ID: 12051050.
    Abstract:
    INTRODUCTION: In recent years, a number of elderly patients have been treated at the Odense University Hospital following injuries caused by bag-snatching. The aim of this study was to discover how many of elderly patients sustained such injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised all inhabitants in the Odense Municipality aged 60 years or more treated at Odense University Hospital in 1996-2000 for injuries caused by bag-snatching. RESULTS: We registered 95 patients. The annual number rose significantly from 1996 to 1999 and from 1999 to 2000 it declined. The mean age was 78 years and 95% were women. Most of the injuries occurred during the daytime. Many patients were injured, because of falls as the bag-snatcher grabbed the bag and got away (74%). Fewer patients were beaten or kicked (26%). The patients were generally pedestrians (86%), and the bag-snatchers mostly pedestrians (47%) or cyclists (29%). The injuries were commonly contusions/sprains (45%) and fractures/dislocations (37%). Twenty-seven per cent were admitted to hospital with a median stay of 15 days (1-54 days). One patient died as a result of the injury. Most patients sustained minor injuries (Maxsimal abbreviated injury scale-score = 1) (62%). DISCUSSION: Over a period of years we have observed an increasing number of injuries in the elderly caused by bagsnatching. The victims often fell and fractured or dislocated a limb. More than a quarter of the victims were hospitalised.
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