Pattern of trauma resulting from motorcycle accidents in Nigerians: a two-year prospective study

Abstract

A two-year prospective study of injuries sustained from motor-cycle accidents (MCA) was conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria, in 1983 and 1984 after repeal of the national mandatory helmet law. MCA patients constituted 10.3% of 715 road traffic accident (RTA) patients and also presented a 5.7:1 male preponderance. Peak age was 18 to 30 years. Nearly 75% sustained lower extremity, chest and cranioencephalic injuries. Non-operative management sufficed in 34 patients (45.9%) while 30 (40.5%) and 10 (13.5%) require operations respectively. Eighteen (24.3%) and 17 (23.0%) patients required local/spinal and general anesthesia respectively. Mortality was 6.8% (5 patients). This analysis of MCA injuries provides objective basis for current comparison with what obtains in jurisdictions with/without mandatory helmet law and future comparison when the law is re-enacted in our state.