AA
Dr. Hüseyin Sina Coşkun, Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), has reported an increase in agricultural injuries during the hazelnut season in the Black Sea region.
Dr. Coşkun, in an interview with AA, highlighted that the beginning of hazelnut season in the Black Sea region has seen a rise in agricultural injuries, emphasizing the importance of professional individuals and agricultural machinery in handling such tasks.
While acknowledging the advancement of technology and its increasing use in various agricultural machinery, Dr. Coşkun stated:
"Industrial agriculture, although it has eased the work of those involved in farming, unfortunately, has opened the door to certain accidents. Our country is an agricultural nation, and we are situated in a region with fertile lands. Especially when we look at the Black Sea region, we see intensive farming practices. With the advancing technology, industrial agriculture has gained significant importance. While it has indeed facilitated the work of those in agriculture, it has also, regrettably, contributed to some accidents. As orthopedic and trauma physicians, we frequently encounter cases of open fractures, particularly during the summer months. While treating these injuries, we sometimes, unfortunately, face limb losses. The mechanism of injury, the severity of the injury, and the duration of exposure to the external environment are among the main factors leading to limb loss. It is imperative that our citizens engaged in agriculture take precautions against these injuries."
Dr. Coşkun further pointed out that a significant number of cases result from accidents involving vehicles commonly used for transportation on agricultural land. He stated, "Among these, we have a vehicle known locally as 'pat-pat.' While this vehicle is highly suitable for transporting agricultural products, it is not suitable for carrying passengers. Consequently, we often witness numerous cases where these vehicles overturn due to carrying excessive loads or passengers beyond their capacity. These cases typically fall under the purview of neurosurgery, orthopedic and trauma surgery, thoracic surgery, and general surgery."
He also highlighted that negligence in the use of industrial agricultural machinery has led to injuries, stating, "Especially due to the availability of cheap labor, individuals who are not professionally engaged in agriculture are getting involved, which is an invitation to these accidents. In the context of agricultural activities, it is crucial that professionals are involved and provide guidance."
Dr. Coşkun added, "During the summer months, approximately 10% of trauma cases are related to agricultural injuries. With the increase in harvest during the summer and the greater use of industrial agricultural equipment, we observe an upsurge in incidents. Speaking from the perspective of orthopedics and traumatology, agricultural injuries account for approximately 10% of trauma cases. Particularly during the summer months, we witness an increase in cases. These can involve fractures, open fracture cases, and even some amputation incidents due to agricultural injuries. Throughout the summer, we had a series of around 100 cases, and we had to perform amputations in approximately 17 cases. These are truly unfortunate injuries. We cater not only to cases from Samsun but also from Sinop, Ordu, Giresun, Çorum, Tokat, and Amasya, covering agricultural injuries from a wide geographical area. Therefore, our center is highly experienced in handling multiple traumas and agricultural injuries, and we can provide all the necessary surgical and medical treatments these patients require."
Note: AA refers to Anadolu Agency, a Turkish state-run news agency.
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