Comparison of two bicycle handlebar trauma cases

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Handlebar injuries are an uncommon cause of blunt trauma.
• Groin vasculature is at risk in handlebar injuries.
• Varied patient outcomes are observed.

Observation:

• Two cases of bicycle handlebar groin injury are presented.
• Patient A had arterial and venous disruption requiring surgical repair.
• Patient B had minor arterial bleeding managed non-operatively.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention (vein graft) restored arterial flow in Patient A.
• Patient A sustained a limb-threatening injury with venous pathology.
• Patient B experienced spontaneous arterial bleeding cessation and rapid recovery.
• Management varied from surgical repair to active observation.

Implications:

• Early recognition of handlebar groin injuries is vital for limb salvage.
• Management strategies should be tailored to injury severity.
• Understanding the spectrum of outcomes is important for clinicians.