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Erschienen in:
11.11.2018 | Original Article
A growing problem: cycling referrals to the National Centre for Pelvic and Acetabular Fracture Management in Ireland
Erschienen in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Ausgabe 3/2019
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Background
Popularity in cycling continues to grow. In Ireland, in the last 5 years, 42% more people now use it to travel to work. This has been mirrored by a rise in cycling-related trauma and deaths. The popularity amongst men has led to the term middle-aged men in Lycra (MAMIL) being coined.
Aims
The purpose of our study was to quantify cycling-related pelvic and acetabular fracture referrals in Ireland and determine injury patterns, cost and functional outcomes following these injuries.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all referrals to our institution, the National Centre for Pelvis and Acetabular Fracture Management, in 2016 and 2017. Demographic, mechanism of injury, concomitant trauma and treatment data were analysed. Patients were contacted to assess return to work, sport and quality of life (EQ-5D-3L).
Results
Cycling injury referrals increased by 90% between 2016 and 2017 with a greater number of cycling than motorbike injury referrals. Twenty-nine patients sustained a pelvic and acetabular (PA) injury while cycling. The mean patient age was 51.7 years of which 86.2% were male with 41% suffering a concomitant injury. Fourteen patients (48.3%) required surgery of which 60% have returned to cycling. Mean cost of treatment was €11,757. The median EQVAS was 80.
Conclusions
The rise in popularity of cycling has been mirrored by an increase in PA injuries and deaths. These injuries are associated with significant costs to the patient, hospital and society. Greater investment in safety and awareness is needed to protect this vulnerable group.