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Citation
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Li X, Yun Z, Li X, Wang Y, Yang T, Zheng L, Qian J. Traffic Injury Prev. 2017; 18(4): 437-440. |
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Affiliation
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Department of Orthopedic Surgery , Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University , Xi'an, Shannxi , China. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: Although electric bicycle related injuries have become the most common reason for hospitalization from a road crash in China, no study has comprehensively investigated electric bicycle collisions and their impact on orthopedic injuries; such a study may provide evidence to support a new road safety policy.
METHODS: A retrospective review of orthopedic injuries from electric bicycle collisions was performed in an urban trauma center. We collected variables including age, gender, location of fracture, presence of open or closed fractures, concomitant vascular, and neurologic injuries.
RESULTS: A total of 2044 cases were involved in an electric bicycle collision. The orthopedic injury victims were predominantly male and middle aged. The most common orthopedic injury was a femur fracture. Open fractures were frequently involved the forearm and tibia/fibula. Male patients were more likely to suffer from multiple fractures and associated injuries than female patients. Fewer patients in the >60 year old group wore helmets at the time of the accident than those in other age groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Orthopedic injuries from electric bicycle related accidents cause patients substantial suffering that could lead to serious social consequences. Helmet use and protective clothing or similar safety gear, especially for electric bicycle users, should be required to provide greater protection.
Language: en |