Bicycle-related injuries requiring hospitalization in the United Arab Emirates

To study the anatomical distribution, severity, and outcome of bicycle-related injuries requiring hospitalization in Al-Ain city, United Arab Emirates in order to improve preventive measures.

All patients with bicycle-related injuries who were admitted to Al-Ain Hospital or who died after arrival were studied. Data were prospectively collected over a period of six years (October 2001-October 2007). Demography of patients, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), hospital stay, and mortality were analysed.

There were 130 patients (126 males). Mean (SD) age was 27.1 (14.5) years. 17.7% were United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals. None of the patients was wearing a helmet. The percentage of UAE nationals of less than 15 years old was significantly higher (65.2%) than non-UAE nationals (14.3%) (p<0.0001, Fisher's Exact Test). The most common mechanism of injury for UAE nationals was falling from a bicycle (73.7%) whilst for non-UAE nationals was hitting a moving vehicle (66.7%). 96 (73.9%) patients had head and face injuries whilst 91 patients (70%) had extremity injuries. On arrival to the hospital, the median (range) ISS was 4 (1-41) and the median (range) GCS was 15 (3-15). The median (range) of total hospital stay was 4 (1-95) days. 17 patients (13.1%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Two patients died because of head injury (overall mortality was 1.5%).

The majority of hospitalized injured cyclists in our study were low income adults using cycling as a cheap transportation method. Compulsory helmet use by bicycle riders and subsidising helmet cost should be adopted so as to reduce morbidity and mortality of bicycle-related injuries.