Orthopaedic-related trauma in e-hailing motorcycle drivers at a single centre in South Africa

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased usage of technologically based platforms throughout society. An example can be seen in the food and goods delivery industry, whereby e-hailing companies have shown a surge in both revenue and workforce. With this rise of e-hailing motorcycle drivers, a rise in road traffic accidents (RTAs) has also been noted. Our study set out to investigate the cumulative incidence of e-hailing motorcycle drivers sustaining orthopaedic-related trauma in comparison to the total number of orthopaedic trauma patients seen. The secondary aims included a treatment cost estimation as well as a qualification of the injuries sustained. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at a single centre, Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital (TPTH), over a period of seven months. We included all e-hailing drivers using any form of motorcycle who experienced orthopaedic-related trauma while on duty. The cumulative incidence of the group was then determined. Lastly, a treatment cost estimation of the surgically managed group was generated and the injuries sustained were further qualified based on the type of injury, anatomical section injured, and management plan incurred. RESULTS: A total of 5 092 individuals experienced orthopaedic-related trauma, with 60 individuals being e-hailing motorcycle drivers who sustained injury while on duty. The cumulative incidence of the group was 118 per 10 000 patients over a seven-month period. A total estimated treatment cost of R2 781 941.70 was spent on the surgically managed group alone. Further analysis, in terms of injury qualification, revealed that 47 drivers experienced fractures or dislocations, with 34 of these injuries requiring surgical intervention. More extremity injuries were noted, with 28 injuries occurring to the upper limb and 34 injuries occurring to the lower limb. CONCLUSION: Our study determined the cumulative incidence of orthopaedic-related trauma in e-hailing motorcycle drivers at TPTH. The injuries they sustained were further qualified and suggestive to be more high velocity in nature, involving mostly the extremities. The treatment cost analysis was found to be an underestimation, and a more detailed cost analysis is suggested to quantify the true burden of this group on the Gauteng Department of Health.