Under the coconut palm – a retrospective analysis of trauma incidents caused by falling coconuts presenting to emergency department at a tertiary care centre in coastal India
Dublin Core
Title
Under the coconut palm – a retrospective analysis of trauma incidents caused by falling coconuts presenting to emergency department at a tertiary care centre in coastal India
Subject
Falling coconuts, Coconut fall-related trauma, Coconut falls, Coastal India, Emergency medicine
Description
Background Injuries due to falling coconuts are a common yet underreported form of trauma in the tropical regions.
Although these might appear insignificant at first glance, the physical forces involved are potentially fatal. Despite
their global prevalence, research on this subject remains scarce, making it a neglected public health concern. This
study seeks to bridge these gaps by analysing the affected demographics, contributing factors and injury patterns. By
enhancing the understanding of coconut fall-related injuries, this research seeks to create awareness about dangers
of falling coconuts and inform the development of effective public health strategies to mitigate their impact.
Methods A retrospective study was conducted over a period of 3 years from January 2021 to December 2023 at a
tertiary care centre on the southern coast of India. Patients who presented to emergency with coconut-fall related
injuries were identified through a comprehensive review of nursing ledgers. Additional data including imaging,
consultations & treatment details were retrieved from patient files and electronic medical records. Descriptive
statistics of the recorded data like demographic variables, time of injury, injury patterns, injury severity score (ISS) and
ED disposition were analysed by using Microsoft Excel 365.
Results The study population included 17 males and 12 females. Most patients were within the age group of
40–60, which comprised 48% of the total participants. The months of September and October reported the highest
frequency of cases. Out of the 29 patients, 14 were farm workers who sustained coconut fall-related injuries. Injury
patterns varied from mild soft tissue injuries to severe TBIs which include SDH and SAH. There were 3 patients who
required surgery, and 7 patients were admitted. There were no fatalities reported, and average hospital stay was 4.5
days.
Conclusion Coconut fall-related injuries in tropical regions is a significant but less recognised public health issue.
Our study shows the necessity of seasonal preventive strategies, public awareness and safety measures for high-risk
Although these might appear insignificant at first glance, the physical forces involved are potentially fatal. Despite
their global prevalence, research on this subject remains scarce, making it a neglected public health concern. This
study seeks to bridge these gaps by analysing the affected demographics, contributing factors and injury patterns. By
enhancing the understanding of coconut fall-related injuries, this research seeks to create awareness about dangers
of falling coconuts and inform the development of effective public health strategies to mitigate their impact.
Methods A retrospective study was conducted over a period of 3 years from January 2021 to December 2023 at a
tertiary care centre on the southern coast of India. Patients who presented to emergency with coconut-fall related
injuries were identified through a comprehensive review of nursing ledgers. Additional data including imaging,
consultations & treatment details were retrieved from patient files and electronic medical records. Descriptive
statistics of the recorded data like demographic variables, time of injury, injury patterns, injury severity score (ISS) and
ED disposition were analysed by using Microsoft Excel 365.
Results The study population included 17 males and 12 females. Most patients were within the age group of
40–60, which comprised 48% of the total participants. The months of September and October reported the highest
frequency of cases. Out of the 29 patients, 14 were farm workers who sustained coconut fall-related injuries. Injury
patterns varied from mild soft tissue injuries to severe TBIs which include SDH and SAH. There were 3 patients who
required surgery, and 7 patients were admitted. There were no fatalities reported, and average hospital stay was 4.5
days.
Conclusion Coconut fall-related injuries in tropical regions is a significant but less recognised public health issue.
Our study shows the necessity of seasonal preventive strategies, public awareness and safety measures for high-risk
Creator
A. Sai Deepak1
, Aaditya Katyal1*, Neeraja A Nair1
, Tanvee Walia2
and Rachana Bhat1
, Aaditya Katyal1*, Neeraja A Nair1
, Tanvee Walia2
and Rachana Bhat1
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00816-4
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
A. Sai Deepak1
, Aaditya Katyal1*, Neeraja A Nair1
, Tanvee Walia2
and Rachana Bhat1, “Under the coconut palm – a retrospective analysis of trauma incidents caused by falling coconuts presenting to emergency department at a tertiary care centre in coastal India,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 25, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12637.