Orthopaedic injuries and the use of protective equipment in commercial motorcycle couriers during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: A single level 1 trauma center experience.

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study is to analyze the orthopedic injuries and the use of protective equipment among commercial motorcycle couriers during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in a level 1 trauma center in Istanbul, to provide epidemiological data, and to serve as a baseline for future studies.

METHODS

Commercial motorcycle couriers involved in traffic accidents while working, and who were brought to the emergency department between April 2020 and April 2022, were included in our study. The protective equipment worn at the time of the accidents, including helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, and boots, were recorded. The orthopedic injuries and the applied treatments (both conservative and surgical) were documented, and injuries to other body regions and injury types were recorded in consultation with other medical departments. Additional data, including the duration of the driving license, the engine displacement of the motorcycle, any motorcyclist training, weather conditions, the estimated speed during the accident, and the time of the accident, were also noted.

RESULTS

A total of 255 commercial motorcycle couriers were included in the study. Most of the injuries (56.9%) involved major trauma, with the foot and ankle region being the most commonly affected body area (31.8%). Helmets were the most commonly used protective equipment (n=197, 77.3%), while motorcycle boots were the least used (n=54, 21.2%). Fifty participants (19.6%) did not use any protective equipment, including helmets, while 22.7% of commercial motorcycle couriers wore only helmets. Only 27 couriers wore full protective gear for motorcycle riding. There were 157 fractures, of which seven were open fractures (4.5%).

CONCLUSION

As wearing a helmet is mandatory when riding a motorcycle, the use of protective equipment other than helmets was relatively low, leading to a high prevalence of extremity injuries. Our study emphasizes the necessity of advanced motorcycle riding training for these professionals, raising awareness among motorcycle couriers about the importance of protective gear, and enhancing inspections through the implementation of legal regulations on this issue.