Lower limb injuries arising from motorcycle crashes.

BACKGROUND

Motorcycle accidents are the second most common cause of road traffic accidents in both developing and developed countries. In this study we aim to look at the pattern and characteristics of lower limb injuries arising from motorcycle accidents and evaluate early outcome of treatment.

METHODS

All the patients with lower limb injuries arising from motorcycle accidents who presented in our hospital between 1st October 2006 and 30th September 2007 were reviewed. History was obtained and detailed examination was done after resuscitation to determine the site, nature and the characteristics of injuries. Definitive treatment (conservative or operative) given was based on the pattern and type of injuries. Patients were followed up in the clinic for both clinical and radiological review. Functional outcome assessment was commenced after the onset of weight bearing. The data were recorded on a designated proforma and analyzed using a statistical programme.

RESULTS

A total of 429 motorcycle accident victims were seen during this period and lower limb injuries represented the commonest type of injury (238, 55.5%). Male:female ratio was 2.2:1 with a mean age of 43.1years. Fractures were the commonest lower limb injuries (73.4%) and closed fractures were commoner than the open fractures. The commonest anatomical location of fractures in lower limbs was tibial shaft. Joint stiffness was found to be the commonest post treatment complication.

CONCLUSION

Lower limb injuries represent the commonest form of injuries among the motorcycle accident victims. Fractures were the commonest type of injury seen and the most common location was shaft of tibia.