Pattern and distribution of injuries in fatal motorized two-wheeler accident cases - A prospective study

Abstract

In India, motorized two-wheelers are an extremely popular form of transport, and they are more commonly involved in road traffic accidents (RTAs) than other vehicles. Occupants of motorized two-wheelers are more prone to sustaining serious injuries, which are responsible for greater morbidity and mortality among them. This study was conducted to assess the pattern and distribution of injuries and the causes of death in fatal RTAs involving motorized two-wheelers. This is a prospective study of 100 cases of RTAs involving riders and pillion riders of motorized two-wheelers, which were brought for autopsy in the mortuaries of J.J.M. Medical College and Chigateri General Hospital, Davangere over 2 years. In our study, the head and neck regions were found to be most commonly involved, and abrasions were the most common external injury. Intracranial hemorrhages were found to be the most common head injury. The most commonly involved skull bone was the base of the skull, and linear (fissured) fracture was the most common type of skull fracture. The commonest intracranial hemorrhage was subarachnoid hemorrhage. Frontal lobes suffered maximum injury, and contusions were the most common brain tissue injury. The most common thoracic injuries were rib fractures. The liver was the most commonly injured solid organ. More injuries were seen in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebrae. The humerus was the most common upper limb bone to be fractured. The femur was the most common lower limb bone to be fractured. Head and neck injuries were responsible for deaths in the majority of the victims.