Evaluation of neurotrauma in motorcycle-related accidents at a tertiary hospital in Egypt

Abstract

Background Although traffic laws in Egypt obligate drivers to wear helmets, they are not strictly followed, resulting in an increased incidence of neurotrauma during accidents. Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate head and spine injuries as a result of motorcycle accidents in 1 year. Patients and methods This study was conducted in the Neurosurgical Emergency Department of Cairo University Hospitals. Only motorcycle-related neurotrauma patients were included. Demographic data, types of lesions inflicted, operations and procedures carried out, hospital stay, and outcome were investigated by analyzing admission files and operation records. The results were then compared with the published literature. Results Out of 117 patients, there were 93% males and 7% females. The age group 20–40 years represented 61.5% of the cases. Extradural hematoma was present in 42 (36%) cases, fissure fracture and base of skull fracture in 64%, brain contusion in 29%, and spine fracture in four (0.034%). Helmeted drivers represented only 9.5% of the patients. Thirty-nine percent of patients had other associated injuries than of head and spine. Operations were performed on 45 (38.5%). Nearly half of the operation procedures comprised evacuation of extradural hematoma. Others included elevation of depressed fracture, frontal sinus repair, decompressive craniotomy, and spinal fixation surgeries. Hospital stay ranged from 2 to 28 days with an average of about 4.5 days; furthermore, 22.2% of the victims became handicapped and dependent. Conclusion Following safety measures during motorcycling significantly reduces morbidity and mortality at time of accidents. Although these patients have a short median hospital stay but surgery rates are obviously high. Follow-up for victims may reveal other potential burdens and help in the reintegration of society.