The medical records of eighty-four patients who were admitted to the hospital following injuries sustained during bicycle collisions (BC) between January 1986 and December 1991 were retrospectively reviewed. BC most commonly occurred during summer months in the afternoon and early evening. The average patient age was 21.3 years, with more men injured than women (83% vs 17%). Forty-four individuals were struck by a motor vehicle, thirty-six fell from their cycles, and two were struck by another cyclist. The average ISS for the group was 13.1. Fifteen per cent of the patients had a documented positive toxicology screen; all patients tested postive for ethanol, with an average blood alcohol content level of 201 mg/dL. An additional 17% of patients had polychemical intoxication. Orthopedic injuries were the most commonly encountered (59.5%), with lower extremity fractures being most common (52%). Neurologic injuries accountedd for 35.7% of injuries, with closed head injuries being most common. Twenty-four patients sustained visceral injuries: 50% thoracic, 25% genitourinary, and 25% abdominal. Of the thoracic injuries, 83% had parenchymal lung injuries, and half had skeletal chest injuries. No patient had a vascular lesion within the chest, owing to the minimal deceleration incurred during these injuries. The genitourinary injuries (n = 6) were all urethral injuries that occurred with ejections from the bicycle. No patient had any form of protective gear. The overall average length of stay was 9.15 days, with 30.9% requiring ICU admission. Although bicycling remains a popular recreational activity as well as mode of transportation, few locals mandate protective legislation. Because of high percentage of orthopedic and CNS injuries, helmets and protective padding might be reasonable requirement for cyclists in public areas.
Abstract