Highlights
- •The aim of this study was to assess the association of helmets with severity of traumatic brain injury and facial fractures after bicycle-related accidents.
- •Results of our study strongly support our hypothesis that helmet use in bicycle riders with intracranial bleed is independently associated with reduction in overall facial fractures and severity of TBI.
- •Injury prevention programs should advocate the use of helmets in bicycle riders especially in the teenage group where least compliance with bicycle helmet use was observed.
Abstract
Background
Helmets are known to reduce the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) after bicycle-related
accidents. The aim of this study was to assess the association of helmets with severity
of TBI and facial fractures after bicycle-related accidents.
Methods
We performed an analysis of the 2012 National Trauma Data Bank abstracted information
of all patients with an intracranial hemorrhage after bicycle-related accidents. Regression
analysis was also performed.
Results
A total of 6,267 patients were included. About 25.1% (n = 1,573) of bicycle riders
were helmeted. Overall, 52.4% (n = 3,284) of the patients had severe TBI, and the
mortality rate was 2.8% (n = 176). Helmeted bicycle riders had 51% reduced odds of
severe TBI (odds ratio [OR] .49, 95% confidence interval [CI] .43 to .55, P < .001) and 44% reduced odds of mortality (OR .56, 95% CI .34 to .78, P = .010). Helmet use also reduced the odds of facial fractures by 31% (OR .69, 95%
CI .58 to .81, P < .001).
Conclusion
Bicycle helmet use provides protection against severe TBI, reduces facial fractures,
and saves lives even after sustaining an intracranial hemorrhage.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 29, 2016
Received in revised form:
May 23,
2016
Received:
March 7,
2016
Footnotes
There were no relevant financial relationships or any sources of support in the form of grants, equipment, or drugs.
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
