Cycling-related orthopaedic fractures admitted to the Major Trauma Centre in the cycling capital of the UK

Abstract

Introduction The popularity of cycling in the United Kingdom is increasing, with a further rise likely due to recent government cycling promotion schemes. This study aims to characterise fractures sustained due to cycling-related collisions in patients presenting to a Major Trauma Centre, in the region with the highest cycling rates in the United Kingdom. Methods A retrospective analysis of cycling injuries presenting to our centre between January 2012 and December 2020 was performed using a prospectively collected electronic database. Comparison of fracture characteristics was made according to patient age and mechanism of injury (collision with a motorised vehicle versus collision with a non-motorised object.). Results Of the 737 patients who suffered a cycling-related injury, 292 (39.6%) suffered at least 1 fracture to the appendicular skeleton. Overall, fractures were most commonly seen in those over 50 years of age. Upper limb fractures were more common than lower limb fractures. Fractures sustained during motorised injuries were more likely to require surgical intervention than those sustained during non-motorised collisions. Conclusion This study provides valuable information regarding the nature, epidemiology and treatment of fractures sustained following cycling-related accidents, adding to the paucity of similar literature in the field. Given the likely increase in future cycling uptake, our results are important to clinicians treating patients with cycling-related injuries and policymakers designing safety interventions.

Road Cycling causes more serious injuries than Mountain Biking. A prospective study and Review of the Literature

“…However, from our study, they are not yet as widespread in our environment as in other countries. Electric bicycle accidents have reported a higher incidence of multiple fractures compared to traditional cyclists (15).…”

Epidemiology of Paediatric Trauma During National Lockdown: A Retrospective Study With 12 Months of Follow-Up

“…There was a proportional increase in upper limb injuries during school closure, which was likely due to the significant rise in ride-on injuries. Upper extremity injuries are recognised to be the most common site of trauma in bicycle-related injuries [20][21][22][23]. Although there was a reduction in the rate of lower limb injuries, the proportion of tibial shaft injuries rose significantly.…”

Rare cycling-related shoulder fracture at pediatric age

“…2 The most frequent mechanism of injury is high-energy trauma (80-90%) (Such as motor vehicle collisions), followed by indirect trauma by falling on the outstretched hand and glenohumeral dislocation in the context of convulsive crisis or electric shock. 2,3 In cycling athletes, the clavicle fractures are the most common, followed by fractures of the wrist, hand, femur and ribs. 3,4 Besides being rare fractures, their occurrence are frequently associated with other complications (80-95%) such as haemotorax or pneumotorax and head injuries.…”

“…2,3 In cycling athletes, the clavicle fractures are the most common, followed by fractures of the wrist, hand, femur and ribs. 3,4 Besides being rare fractures, their occurrence are frequently associated with other complications (80-95%) such as haemotorax or pneumotorax and head injuries. 2,5 When there are other fractures, the ribs are the most frequently involved (53%), followed by ipsilateral clavicle fractures (25%), vertebral fractures (26-30%) and acetabular or pelvic fractures (15%).…”