Iran is a country wim an area of 1,648,195 km2 with a population of >8,000,000 people. The devastating earthquake in the Bam District of Kerman Province struck on 26 December 2003 when the population was sleeping, and left a total of 29,878 dead and 22,628 injured. It had a magnitude of 7.4 on tbe Richter scale. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of physical injuries.

The data of 206 patients were collected from the medical records.

The majority of patients were in the 20–29 year age group. The female/male ratio was 1.51. The overall mortality rate was 2%. Most frequent injuries were lower extremity, pelvic, and spinal fractures respectively. Of the extremity fractures, 4.9% had open fractures, 95.1% had closed, and 19 patients underwent fasiotomy due to compartment syndrome. Of the pelvic fractures, 7.9% were unstable. Of the cases, 32% with vertebral fractures had spinal cord injuries. Other injuries were less frequent and included pneumothorax, hemothorax, abdominal viscous injuries, rib fracture, and head injuries.

The main problems in the victims were orthopedic. Hospitals must prepare to treat these injuries.