An epidemiological analysis of injuries among cyclists and clinical characteristics of them: A single-center experience from Northwest of Iran

Background and Objectives: The most common cause of death and serious disability in cyclist’s crashes is traumatic brain injury. The The present study aimed to provide accurate statistics and information on traffic accidents based on epidemiologic characteristics and outcomes of cyclists’ injuries in East Azerbaijan province-Iran, based on International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) guidelines. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tabriz, Iran, on 317 cyclists who sustained an injury through road traffic accidents. Multivariable Cox regression, reported as hazard ratios (95% confidence interval), quantified the association between explanatory variables such as age, gender, and anatomical regions with mortality. Results: The present study included 317 trauma patients with an average age of 34.72 (SD= 24.14) years old; 89.6% of the patients were male. Collision with truck or van, pick-up, and automobiles collisions (42.9%) were the most common counterpart vehicle used [V13]. The most common anatomical regions affected by the cyclists were head injuries (72.2%) (S00–S09). The highest proportion of injuries incurred by cyclists was superficial (46%) [S00-T00]. Closure of skin and subcutaneous tissue of other sites were the most clinical modification provided for the patients (54.1%) (86.59). The obtained regression coefficient showed that age increased the odds ratio of mortality by 0.02. Conclusions: Men were the most injured group. Head injuries were the most common injuries. Skin and subcutaneous tissue sutures commonly require surgery. Also, the chance of mortality increases with age. All cyclists need to wear a helmet to reduce head-impairing injuries.