Pattern of limb injuries in those involved in motorcycle road traffic injury in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Increase in the use of motorcycle as a means of public transportation as led to a corresponding increase in motorcycle road traffic injury, some resulting in injuries which are disabling and others in fatal injuries. Limb injuries are very common among people who were involved in motorcycle road traffic injury. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the pattern of limb injuries in those involved in motorcycle road traffic injury in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based prospective study conducted at the accident and emergency department from September 2005 to June 2006. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Data was analyzed using SPSS 11. Proportions were determined and statistics presented in tables. Results: A total of 156 subjects were recruited with a mean age of 34.33 ±16.48 years. There were more male (119, 76.3%) than female participants (37, 23.7%). The month of September recorded the highest frequency (27, 17.3%) of accident. Abrasion (24, 16.8%) was the leading type of limb injury and the most common long bone fracture was tibial fractures (23, 16.1%). Radius (5, 3.5%) and ulna (5, 3.5%) fractures were the commonest upper limb fractures. Conclusion: Limb injury is very common among those involved in motorcycle road traffic injury in Ogbomoso. The passengers as well as the pedestrians were more at risk than the riders and most of the riders involved were commercial motorcycle riders.