Foot and ankle injuries in motor vehicle accidents.
BACKGROUND
We studied foot and ankle (F/A) injuries that occurred in motor vehicle accidents treated in a Level 1 trauma center.


METHODS
The records of F/A injuries of 2248 consecutive orthopedic patients were reviewed to find foot and ankle injuries.


RESULTS
Pilon fractures were common. Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) occupants with F/A injuries had a higher injury Severity Score than those without (17.9 vs. 11.6, p <. 001). MVA F/A injury risk was higher without restraint [relative risk ratio (rrr) 1.68, p <. 0032] than with restraint except for air bagged drivers who were similar to unrestrained drivers (rrr 1.18, p > .05, NS).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with F/A injuries may have serious associated injuries. Air bags may not protect feet.
Wilson
L S
LS
Department Orthopedic Surgery Memorial Hospital, South Bend, IN, USA. lswilson@pol.net
Mizel
M S
MS
Michelson
J D
JD
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D017278:Air Bags; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000453:epidemiology; D012622:Seat Belts; D012720:Severity of Illness Index