PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Derek J. Roberts
AU  - Jean-Francois Ouellet
AU  - Francis R. Sutherland
AU  - Andrew W. Kirkpatrick
AU  - Rohan N. Lall
AU  - Chad G. Ball
TI  - Severe street and mountain bicycling injuries in adults: a comparison of the incidence, risk factors and injury patterns over 14 years
AID  - 10.1503/cjs.027411
DP  - 2013 Jun 01
TA  - Canadian Journal of Surgery
PG  - E32--E38
VI  - 56
IP  - 3
4099  - http://canjsurg.ca/content/56/3/E32.short
4100  - http://canjsurg.ca/content/56/3/E32.full
SO  - CAN J SURG2013 Jun 01; 56
AB  - Background: Street and mountain bicycling are popular recreational activities and prevalent modes of transportation with the potential for severe injury. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the incidence, risk factors and injury patterns among adults with severe street versus mountain bicycling injuries.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Southern Alberta Trauma Database of all adults who were severely injured (injury severity score [ISS] ≥ 12) while street or mountain bicycling between Apr. 1, 1995, and Mar. 31, 2009.Results: Among 11 772 severely injured patients, 258 (2.2%) were injured (mean ISS 17, hospital stay 6 d, mortality 7%) while street (n = 209) or mountain bicycling (n = 49). Street cyclists were often injured after being struck by a motor vehicle, whereas mountain bikers were frequently injured after faulty jump attempts, bike tricks and falls (cliffs, roadsides, embankments). Mountain cyclists were admitted more often on weekends than weekdays (61.2% v. 45.0%, p = 0.040). Injury patterns were similar for both cohorts (all p > 0.05), with trauma to the head (67.4%), extremities (38.4%), chest (34.1%), face (26.0%) and abdomen (10.1%) being common. Spinal injuries, however, were more frequent among mountain cyclists (65.3% v. 41.1%, p = 0.003). Surgical intervention was required in 33.3% of patients (9.7% open reduction internal fixation, 7.8% spinal fixation, 7.0% craniotomy, 5.8% facial repair and 2.7% laparotomy).Conclusion: With the exception of spine injuries, severely injured cyclists display similar patterns of injury and comparable outcomes, regardless of style (street v. mountain). Helmets and thoracic protection should be advocated for injury prevention.