Citation

Joseph B, Azim A, Haider AA, Kulvatunyou N, O'Keeffe T, Hassan A, Gries L, Tran E, Latifi R, Rhee P. Am. J. Surg. 2016; 213(2): 413-417.

Affiliation

Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, Critical Care, and Burns, Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.amjsurg.2016.05.021

PMID

27596799

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Helmets are known to reduce the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) after bicycle-related accidents. The aim of this study was to assess the association of helmets with severity of TBI and facial fractures after bicycle-related accidents.

METHODS: We performed an analysis of the 2012 National Trauma Data Bank abstracted information of all patients with an intracranial hemorrhage after bicycle-related accidents. Regression analysis was also performed.

RESULTS: A total of 6,267 patients were included. About 25.1% (n = 1,573) of bicycle riders were helmeted. Overall, 52.4% (n = 3,284) of the patients had severe TBI, and the mortality rate was 2.8% (n = 176). Helmeted bicycle riders had 51% reduced odds of severe TBI (odds ratio [OR].49, 95% confidence interval [CI].43 to.55, P <.001) and 44% reduced odds of mortality (OR.56, 95% CI.34 to.78, P =.010). Helmet use also reduced the odds of facial fractures by 31% (OR.69, 95% CI.58 to.81, P <.001).

CONCLUSION: Bicycle helmet use provides protection against severe TBI, reduces facial fractures, and saves lives even after sustaining an intracranial hemorrhage.

Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en