97 patients who suffered from free-fall injury were treated at our institutions during the period from 1994 through 1996. The retrospective analysis forms the basis of this report. Patients were divided into two groups, one with head injury (HI), and the other without head injury (NHI). The severity of injury (ISS), age, gender, and mortality rate were compared between these two groups. It was also examined whether the incidence of head injury differed according to their intent of injury (suicidal or accidental). There were 67 males and 30 females, with their age ranging from 1 to XS (mean 39+/-22). The overall mortality was 34% (33/97), including 19 who were in cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival. Of 97 patients, 55 had head and/or neck injury (AIS: abbreviated injury scale greater than or equal to 1). Mortality (51% vs. 14%, p<0.01) and ISS(26+/-18 vs. 12+/-11, p<0.01). were significantly different between the HI group and NHI group. Fall as a suicidal attempt was observed in 44 (45%) of all cases, and in 24 (44%) in the HI group. The incidence of head injury did not differ whether the fall resulted From suicidal attempt or unintentional accident. However, excluding those in cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival, severe head injury (Head AIS greater than or equal to 3) was present less frequently in patients following suicidal attempt than those with accidental fall(21% vs. 43%. p<0.05). The head injuries in free-fall injury were associated with adverse outcome. Patients following suicidal attempt had severe head injury less frequently than those Who fell accidentally.
