INTRODUCTION:
In this study we aimed to evaluate the features of motorcycle injuries admitted to our emergency department and to give suggestions to decrease the injuries.
MATERIAL-METHODS:
The study was performed retrospectively between the dates of 01 January 2006 and 31 December 2008 by investigating the files of patients admitted to emergency department due to motorcycle accident.
RESULTS:
In this time period, number of injured patients admitted to the emergency department due to motorcycle accident is 27. Eighty-five percent of the patients were male and mean age of the patients was 31.5±15.9. Ninety-six percent of the patients were brought to emergency department in the first six hour of the accident. In the 71% of the patients, the mechanism was falling from the motorcycle. It was determined that only one case was using helmet. Ratio of patients in whom alcohol was detected was 7%. The most common affected body site was head-neck (30%), followed by abdomen (21%), face (18%), lower extremity (18%) and the others. The median value of ISS was 9 (min: 1-max: 36). Surgery was performed to 44% of the patients and 52% of the patients were discharged from emergency department after their treatment and clinical follow up.
CONCLUSION:
To prevent the injuries due to motorcycle accidents; driver education must be considered, drunk drivers must be prevented from driving, helmet usage must be encouraged by drivers and passengers, extra passengers must be prevented, traffic control and punishments must be increased.
Keywords: Motorcycle accidents, injury, emergency medicine