Helmet use and associated spinal fractures in motorcycle crash victims

Document Type

Article

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The effect of helmet use on the incidence of cervical and thoracic fractures sustained in motorcycle crashes remains controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of these fractures in helmeted and nonhelmeted crash victims at a single Level I trauma hospital with a well-defined system for evaluating spinal fractures. RESULTS: Of 422 motorcycle crash victims treated during 3 years, 190 had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 75 sustained some form of spinal fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the statistical analysis, there was no relationship between helmet use and cervical or thoracic fractures, after controlling for speed of crash. The protective effect of helmet use in TBI was verified. These findings re-emphasize the need for a well-defined radiologic protocol for spinal injury at centers that evaluate crash victims. © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

Keywords

Helmets, Motorcycle, Spine fractures, Statistics

Publication Date

1-1-2008

Publication Title

Journal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care

ISSN

00225282

E-ISSN

15298809

Volume

64

Issue

1

First Page

190

Last Page

196

PubMed ID

18188120

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1097/TA.0b013e3180f62eec

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