Im. Al-habdan et al., Injuries due to motorcycle accidents amongst Saudi women. Are we waiting for a new epidemic?, SAUDI MED J, 20(6), 1999, pp. 458-460
Objectives: To study the injuries sustained by Saudi Arabian females due to
motorcycle accidents.
Methods: Retrospective review of 27 patients seen at King Fahd Hospital of
the University, Al-Khobar. Demographic data which was analyzed was age, typ
e of injury sustained, operations pet-formed and duration of the hospital s
tay.
Results: The mean age was 19.7 years SD+/-4.48 (14 - 31 years). They sustai
ned 45 fractures, 1 dislocation and 4 blunt abdominal injuries. Sixteen (59
%) required admission and 10 (37%) underwent surgical fixation of fractures
. The mean hospital stay was 15.7 days (9-41 days).
Conclusion: Motorcycle accidents are becoming more common among Saudi femal
es who drive the motorcycles for recreation. These accidents occur due to n
o prior driving experience and driving at night with poor or no illuminatio
n. We believe ways need to be found to prevent such injuries before it is t
oo late.