Abstract
Objectives : The purpose of this study is to understand the characteristics of the musculoskeletal patients who visited the emergency room of an oriental medicine hospital and provide better first-aid medical service. Methods : We performed a retrospective study of 1,472 patients who visited the emergency room of an oriental medicine hospital, from June 1st, 2007 to May 31st, 2010. Results : Of 1,472 total patients, the male to female ratio was 1.06:1 and people in their 30s were the peak age group. The majority of patients visited the emergency room between 10:00 to 24:00(midnight). Most patients visited the emergency room from Saturday to Sunday. By monthly distribution, the patients increased slightly during February, April, September and October. The majority of patients visited the emergency room within 24hours of onset. The patients were categorized as follows : low back pain 64.81%, cervical pain 11.82%, ankle pain 10.67%. 27.51% of patients used stretcher cars when visiting the emergency room. The admission rate was 22.96%. Conclusions : Of the patients who visited the emergency room of an Oriental hospital, low back pain, cervical pain and ankle pain was the most frequent, in this order. By meticulously preparing for the continued increase in musculoskeletal treatment demand, we can further assist and speed the specialization and popularization of Oriental medical services.