EXPERT-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF NON-LETHAL MOTORCYCLE-RELATED TRAUMA

Abstract

The forensic examination of victims of motorcycle trauma is a current issue in forensic practice. However, the forensic characteristics of contemporary nonfatal motorcycle injuries have not been adequately investigated. Aim of the work. To investigate the epidemiology of nonfatal motorcycle injuries and to determine the forensic characteristics of injuries typical of victims of motorcycle traffic accidents. Materials and methods. The study material consisted of 40 forensic medical reports on individuals affected by motorcycle injuries, performed at the Ternopil Regional Forensic Medical Bureau between 2016 and 2023. The data extraction was performed in a formalised card for each case, containing details about the injured person, circumstances, location and conditions of the injury. The types of injuries, their location and distribution by body part (head, trunk, limbs) were meticulously recorded. The data obtained were processed using variational statistical methods. Results. Research shows that the majority of nonfatal injuries to motorcyclists occur on the roads during the summer and early autumn, with peaks in June and September, typically as a result of collisions with other vehicles (usually cars). The victims are predominantly male (35 (87.5%)), young (19 (47.5%)) and mature (13 (32.5%)). Of these, 31 (77.5%) were motorcyclists, 6 (15.0%) were passengers and only 3 (7.5%) were pedestrians (p≤0.01). Different lower limb injuries were identified in 35 victims (87.5%, p≤0.01), upper limb injuries in 22 (55%) of the injured and head injuries in 20 (50%). Combined injuries involving two or more different anatomical parts of the body (head, torso and limbs) were found in 35 (87.5%) victims. Head injuries presented as abrasions, bruises or contusions, mainly to the face, often to several facial areas at the same time, typically accompanied by concussion or cerebral contusion. All victims with torso trauma were diagnosed with various soft tissue injuries, of which 18 (90%) were located on the anterior surface of the chest, in the pelvic or abdominal area (often in combination), with spinal injuries occurring in only 2 (10%) victims. Upper limb trauma was associated with various soft tissue injuries, as well as fractures and ligamentous damage in more than half of the victims with upper limb injuries. Victims with lower limb trauma had both superficial soft tissue injuries (abrasions, bruises, haematomas, contusions) and deeper injuries (lacerations or crush injuries), together with open or closed fractures of the femur, tibia and fibula, or multiple fractures. Isolated injuries involving only the trunk or upper extremities, or only the head and trunk, or only the trunk and lower extremities in nonfatal motorcycle trauma were found only in isolated cases. Conclusions. Non-fatal motorcycle trauma usually occurs on the road, in warm weather conditions, as a result of the motorcycle colliding with another vehicle. The majority of victims are motorcyclists, young and middle-aged males. Characteristic features of non-lethal motorcycle trauma are: a significant number of superficial soft tissue injuries and their predominance over fractures or internal organ injuries; the combination of head, trunk and limb injuries with a predominance of lower limb injuries; the predominant location of injuries on the frontal surface of the victims' bodies.