ABSTRACT

We aimed to investigate and compare the features of child and adult injuries due to bicycle accidents admitted to our emergency department.

The study was carried out retrospectively by searching the files of patients admitted to the emergency department due to bicycle accidents in the emergency department and archive records between the dates of January 2005-December 2008. The patients were divided into two groups as adults and children. Age and sex of the patients, season or month of injuries, place and mechanism of injury, site of the injury, diagnosis and treatment modalities, discharge and hospitalization rates were evaluated. Student t test was used for two group comparison.

A total of 150 patients were included in the study. 79% of the patients were in the child age group, 21% were adults. It was determined that the number of accidents increased especially in the summer months. 71.4% of accidents concerning children and all adult accidents occurred in the streets. Falling off the bicycle was the most common cause of injury in children (91%) and adults (90%). The head and neck region was the most common body site subjected to injury in both children (32%) and adults (40%). There was a significant difference between the two groups with respect to injury severity.

Most of the injuries due to bicycle accidents in children happen, in the streets, in summer months and during school vacations. Although not statistically significant, it was seen that adult injuries were more serious.

Keywords: Bicycle, injuries, child, adult