What Percentage of Lower Extremity Amputations Are Due to Motorcycle Accidents?
Despite the high rate of mortality associated with motorcycle crashes, little is known about the type of injuries sustained by this population. The purpose of this study is to identify the epidemiology and trends in lower extremity injuries among motorcyclists. Amputations are particularly important to this population because they are a common cause of limb loss and can be associated with a lengthy hospitalization and rehabilitation process. Detailed information on the types of injuries and their incidence among motorcycle crash victims can help inform the development of anti-injury countermeasures.
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Lower extremity injuries accounted for the majority of injuries among motorcyclists treated at trauma centers. The most common types of injuries were long-bone fractures and soft-tissue injuries. These injuries had a higher incidence than head and chest injuries, and are generally more serious than abdominal injuries. The study also found that lower extremity injuries were associated with longer hospital stays and more intensive rehabilitation.
In addition to analyzing the types of injuries, the study also examined the costs associated with treating these injuries. These costs were compared to costs associated with non-lower extremity injuries. The average cost was $25,764 per patient. The majority of charges were borne by Medicaid, with more than half of the charges paid by this government program. Other public funds were used to cover the costs of initial hospital care and rehabilitation care. The study found that 60 percent of the direct costs were incurred during the initial hospital stay. Another 23 percent of direct costs were related to preadmission for treatment of acute problems.
In addition to lower extremity injuries, motorcycle crash victims also sustained upper extremity injuries. This category is important because it represents a significant portion of MCC trauma. The study found that the number of upper extremity injuries is not well documented. The most common injuries were hand and forearm fractures. Patients in this group had a mean Injury Severity Score of 18.3+13. Patients were predominantly non-helmeted. The study also found that patients who had a helmet were less likely to sustain proximal humerus fractures. Patients who lost consciousness were more likely to sustain injury.
Another important factor to consider in the distribution of motorcycle injury cases was the position of the motorcyclist. The study found that injuries occurred more frequently when the motorcycle was in the front position. The front of the motorcycle was also the initial point of impact in the majority of motorcycle fatalities. Unlike in car crashes, motorcyclists in motorcycle crashes often were not seen by other drivers. The study found that motorcyclists are a highly vulnerable group of road users. These crashes are also associated with significantly increased morbidity.
The study also identified protective measures for motorcycle crashes. These include ensuring proper helmet use, implementing safety precautions, and using traffic police to report accidents. These protective measures can improve the safety of motorcyclists, and help to prevent future injuries. These measures can also help improve the public’s awareness of motorcyclists and their injuries, which in turn could help improve the population’s overall health.