[The importance of the use of bicycle helmets for head injuries among injured bicyclists aged 0-15 years].

INTRODUCTION

We wanted to examine the preventative effect of bicycle helmets on head injuries in youngsters aged 0-15 years treated after road traffic accidents (RTAs). The data were based on hospital records.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a case-control study of all youngsters aged 0-15 years, who were treated at Odense University Hospital after RTAs on bicycles during the period 1993 to 1999. Bicyclists with injuries localised to the head or brain comprised the case group. The controls were all bicyclists with injuries to other body regions.

RESULTS

Altogether 3285 persons were entered. Of these, 409 had injuries to the head or brain and 2876 had injuries to other body regions. Regression analysis showed that the use of helmets decreased the risk of head injury by a factor of 0.4 and the risk of concussion by a factor of 0.6. Only nine bicyclists with more severe brain injury were included in the study. Registered motor vehicles as the counterpart increased the risk of head injury in a given accident and no effect of the helmets could be shown in such accidents.

DISCUSSION

Helmets offer bicyclists aged 0-15 years protection against head injury. The effect could not be shown in accidents involving a motor vehicle as the counterpart.