An Analyses of Bicycle Accidents in Ankara: Analyses of 5 Years

Abstract

Aim: Bicycles are used for transportation, exercise and recreation. In this study we aimed to investigate the epidemiological, clinical and economic aspects of bicycle injuries. Material and Method: We included in the study who admitted to the Emergency Department with a bicycle accident between January 2008 and July 2012. Patient age and sex, accident pattern, presence of personal protective measures, injured body part, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Revised Trauma Score (RTS), radiological findings, requested consultations, duration of hospital stay, season of injury, and average cost rates were recorded. The study population was divided into 2 age groups as 0-14 years and over 14 years. Results: A patients were 238 (81.2%) male and their mean age was 31.5 +/- 14.1 years. Fifty-five (18.8%) patients were female and their mean age was 34.5 +/- 15.9 years. Males had significantly higher rate of bicycle injury (p<0.001). The most common injuries occured to lower and upper extremities. Inspection of hospital bills revealed that median patient cost was $175. Discussion: In this study bicycle accidents were more common occured in males and during summer months. The most common injuries was in the lower extremities.