Motorcycle-related hospitalizations in the United States, 2001

To estimate the prevalence of motorcycle-related hospitalization in the United States in 2001 and to describe the demographic, clinical, hospital, and financial characteristics associated with these injuries.

Cross-sectional analysis of the 2001 Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project was conducted in 2003.

There were an estimated 30,505 (confidence interval=26,566-34,445) motorcycle-related hospital discharges in 2001. Approximately 62% of cases were aged > or =30 years, and males accounted for 89% of cases. The most common principal diagnoses were fractures of the lower limb (29.4%), fractures of the upper limb (13.1%), and intracranial injuries (12.3%). The mean length of stay was 5 days, the median hospital charge was $15,404, and the total estimated hospital charges were >$841 million. The majority of patients (56.5%) were admitted to large urban teaching hospitals, and these hospitals accounted for nearly 70% of all hospital charges. Approximately 26% of cases were self-pay or listed public insurance as the expected payer.

These findings shed light on the substantial morbidity and financial impact of motorcycle-related injuries. Renewed and strengthened prevention efforts are warranted.