Paediatric motorbike injuries: Do children riding motorbikes get the same injuries as those riding bicycles?

Abstract

Background: Health workers have the impression that injuries sustained by children on motorcycles are more severe and debilitating than those of children on bicycles. This was not reflected by data collected for a statewide trauma registry: the two groups looked very similar at first glance. Methods: A retrospective chart review audit was carried out to further collect clinical data that might be deemed to be consequential to patients, their families and the health system, to see if this initial finding was reproduced. Results: Registry outcomes such as length of stay and mortality were no different, but number of procedures required, number of injuries and functional injuries were very different. Conclusions: Showing that children are more severely injured when riding motorcycles rather than bicycles is needed to promote cultural and legislative change.<br />