Injury profiles in pedestrian motor vehicle trauma

One hundred fifteen consecutive pedestrians who were struck by motor vehicles were studied to determine the magnitude and patterns of the injuries sustained. The mortality rate was 22%, and 17 of 25 patients who died did so during the initial resuscitative efforts, primarily due to head, chest, and or abdominal injury. The average Injury Severity Score (ISS) among all patients was 20; however, it was significantly higher (46) in nonsurvivors. The majority of the victims were men (72%), and the average age of all patients was 35 years. As the patient's age increased, so did the likelihood of mortality, fractures, and prolonged hospital stay. Blood alcohol levels were measured in 85 patients, 65% of whom had detectable levels (mean, 0.25 mg/dL). There was no correlation between the presence of alcohol and mortality, ISS, head injury, or number of fractures. The most frequently injured organ system was musculoskeletal (77%), followed by head (34%), abdomen (21%), and chest (15%). The most common fractures seen were tibia-fibular (39), pelvis (35), and femur (31). Hospital stay averaged 11 days, and patients charges averaged $16,900.