title: Current profile of cycling injuries: A retrospective analysis of a trauma centre level 1 in Queensland.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  One out of 50 injury-related presentations to an ED is a transport-related cycling injury. Detailed information about the most frequent mechanism of cycling injuries, sustained injuries and patterns are under-reported. The objective of this research was to examine the pattern of injuries sustained by cyclists at a level 1 trauma centre.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of data of injured cyclists admitted and treated at a level 1 trauma centre between 2011 and 2012 evaluated demographic data, mechanism of injury, injury pattern, economic costs and outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data of 261 patients (mean age of 39 years) were reviewed, of which 88% was male patients with an average age of 38 years. Non-collision cycling injuries were reported in 55% of cases followed by collisions with other motor vehicles in 25.6% of cases. The mean injury severity score (ISS) was 9, but an ISS ≥ 12 was documented in 24%. Predominantly upper limb injuries (24.8%) were found, followed by injuries to the head and lower limb (each with 16.8%). Traumatic brain and chest injuries were equally seen in 8%. The overall length of stay was 4 days, and survival rate was 98%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This current data review reveals that non-collision traffic crashes accounted for the majority of injuries in cyclists treated in this facility, and the upper limb has replaced the head as the most injured body part. With a growing number of cyclists, this information contributes to considerations to improve road safety and trauma management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
authors.forename: Mirjam V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.|Emergency Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eley
authors.affiliation: Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vallmuur
authors.affiliation: Trauma Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.|Traumatology, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schuetz
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D001642:Bicycling / Q000293:injuries*; D000070642:Brain Injuries, Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cycling; emergency medicine; fracture; injury; trauma