This study reports the results of a survey about the causes and long-term consequences in patients of 50 years-of-age and older (N=329) who attended the emergency ward at the University Hospital Groningen for treatment of their injuries due to bicycle accidents. Female predominance was observed across all age levels. The majority (28.6%) of the injuries was located at the upper limbs, followed by the head/face (25.8%). It was shown that with increasing age the percentage clinical treatment (hospital stay) also raised, indicating that older persons had more severe injuries than people in younger age groups. The long-term financial consequences of indirect medical costs were on the average 2600 Dutch guilder per average 2600 Dutch guilder per patient. 2 years after the accident about 28% of the patients had still psychological problems.
Samenvatting