Traumatology in rural Kenya. Role of simple X-ray services.

Kenya with a population of 16 million has 143 X-ray units of which 119 provide services to the rural areas. Figures from these units show that trauma cases form the major work load in most rural X-ray departments, followed by chest radiography; the incidence of trauma radiography diminishes significantly in the smaller peripheral health centers. The commonest form of trauma is to the limbs and skull; motor vehicle accidents constitute the major cause. The role of X-rays in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of trauma is extremely important at the district hospitals where there is a doctor. However, at subdistrict hospitals and health centers this importance decreases proportionately to the availability of (1) trained personnel with ability to interpret X-rays and (2) facilities to treat trauma.