Characteristics of Bicycle and Motorcycle Injured Patients in a University Hospital and in an Edited National Injury Surveillance Report

Kim, Seong Gye; Kim, Ho Jung; Cho, Young Soon; Lee, Myung Gab; Yoo, Byeong Dae; Jun, Duck Ho

Abstract

PURPOSE
To study characteristics of bicycle and motorcycle injured patients in a university hospital and in an edited national injury surveillance report.
METHODS
Between July 2007 and January 2010, we collected data on bicycle and motorcycle injured patients in a university hospital. First, we compared the characteristics of each group. Second, we analyzed injury severity using their injury severity score (ISS) and their revised trauma score (RTS). We compared the categories of an edited national injury surveillance report with our university-acquired data.
RESULTS
The total number of patients in traffic accidents was 4,111 (including 204 bicycle riders and 165 motorcycle riders). For those in bicycle accidents, a large fraction was < 10 years old or > 51 years old. For those in motorcycle accidents. Those in motorcycle accidents had an increased proportion of liver cirrhosis and of previous experience with a similar accident. Bicycle accidents had a higher proportion of cases where just the driver or just the passenger was injured. Just falling was the most cause of injury. Others were injured by collision with a car or by both. Motorcycle riders who wore helmets were better protected. Most accidents occurred after 19:00: motorcycle accidents most frequently between 0:00 and 7:00 and between 13:00 and 18:00 hours. Injury severity score were not different. Admission to the hospital and fatalities were highest for motorcycle accidents. The place of injury and alcohol intoxication status were reported for traffic accidents.
CONCLUSION
Bicycle and motorcycle injuries were already considered as important factors in traffic accidents included in the injury surveillance report. More factors, including age, time, past history, etc. should be added.