The epidemiology and pattern of orthopaedic injuries caused by delivery motorbike accidents (DMBA) at a South African tertiary hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND : The orthopaedic department at Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) has observed an increasing number of patients presenting with serious orthopaedic injuries due to Delivery Motorbike Accidents (DMBA). These patients sustain severe injuries that require major surgical procedures. OBJECTIVE : The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and severity of orthopaedic injuries due to delivery motorbike accidents (DMBA). METHODS : This was a retrospective qualitative observational study between 1st January, 2020, and 31st December, 2022. The details of patients involved in motorbike accidents (MBA) were collected from patient registers at the emergency department and used to obtain clinical data from medical and radiological records in the form of patient files and patient archiving and communication system (PACS), respectively. RESULTS : A total of 227 patients presented to the emergency department with orthopaedic injuries following a motorbike accident over a period of 3 years. Ninety-seven (97) files could not be retrieved from the patient records department. Sixty-seven (67) patients had their occupation recorded as unknown or unemployed. Sixty (60) patients had their occupation indicated in the file by the clinicians or administration clerks. Twenty-nine patients (48%) had their occupation indicated as delivery men or employees of a delivery company. All patients were males, presented after hours, and sustained multiple injuries that required surgical management. Four patients had their helmet usage status recorded in the file. CONCLUSION : The study addresses a significant and underexplored issue in public health and occupational safety, providing preliminary insights into the patterns and severity of orthopaedic injuries caused by delivery motorbike accidents at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Future research should adopt a prospective design to ensure more comprehensive data collection and explore the broader social and policy implications of delivery motorbike accidents.