Injuries due to motorcycle accidents amongst Saudi women. Are we waiting for a new epidemic?

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.