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Citation |
Hooten KG, Murad GJ. J. Neurotrauma 2014; 31(15): 1329-1333. |
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Affiliation |
University of Florida, Neurosurgery, PO Box 100265, Gainesville, Florida, United States, 32610, 352-273-9000 ; kghooten@ufl.edu. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2014, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
24661125 |
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Abstract |
Helmet use in two wheeled vehicle accidents is widely reported to decrease the rates of death and traumatic brain injury. Previous reports suggest that there exists a trade off with helmet use consisting of an increased risk of cervical spine injuries. Recently a review of a national trauma database demonstrated the opposite with reduction in cervical spinal cord injuries in motorcycle crashes (MCC). To better ascertain the risks of cervical spine injury with non-helmet use in all two wheeled vehicles we analyzed the University of Florida level one trauma center experience. We reviewed the Traumatic injury database over a five-year period (Jan 1, 2005 to July 1, 2010) for all patients involved in two wheeled vehicle accidents. Patients were stratified according to vehicle type (motorcycle, scooter, and bicycle), helmet use, and the presence or absence of a cervical spine injury. Outcomes were compared for injury severity, cervical spine injury, cervical spinal cord injury, and presence of cervical spine injuries requiring surgery. Population means were compared using paired t-test. 1331 patients were identified, 995 motorcycles, 87 low power scooters, 249 bicycles. Helmet use was variable between each group. One hundred and thirty five total cervical spine injuries were identified. No evidence was found that suggests an increased risk of cervical spine injury or increased severity of cervical spine injury with helmet use. This fact in combination with our previous findings suggest that the law's age and insurance exemption should be revoked and a universal helmet law be reinstated in the state of Florida. Key Words: helmet, two-wheeled vehicles, motorcycle, scooter, bicycle, Florida, cervical spine injury. Language: en |