Fractures from bicycle falls still common, particularly among boys
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Boys aged 10 to 15 years are the most frequent demographic to experience fractures while riding a bicycle, a recent study found.
Trends in bicycle-related fractures among children have not been previously researched in depth, according to William Huffman, an MD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and colleagues. To address this research gap, Huffman and colleagues used the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database to identify patients aged 18 years and younger who, between 2001 and 2020, presented at a U.S. ED with fractures from a bicycle incident.
Of the estimated 1,019,509 fractures that were identified during those 19 years — averaging 50,975 annually — the researchers found that 71.8% occurred in boys (95% CI, 70.3-73.2%). In addition, 30.6% of patients were aged 10 to 12 years (95% CI 29.6%-31.7%), while 24.8% were aged 13 to 15 years (95% CI, 23.4%-26.2%).
The most common fracture locations included:
- the lower arm (25.2%; 95% CI, 22.8-27.8);
- wrist (21.2%; 95% CI, 19.5-22.9); and
- shoulder (10.5%; 95% CI, 9.7-11.3).
Among patients who suffered skull fractures, Huffman and colleagues reported that only 14.2% were wearing bicycle helmets at the time.
Overall, the researchers observed a steady decrease in bicycle-related fractures over the time period examined, but a recent rise was noted in 2020. This is consistent with other upward trends of significant injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is likely due to increased usage of bicycles following stay-at-home orders and school cancellations, according to the researchers.
“Given the results of our study, we recommend targeting bicycle safety efforts toward the most affected populations, largely 10- to 15-year-old boys,” Huffman said in a press release. “Teaching road and helmet safety for bicycle riders is paramount to keeping children safe.”
References:
- Broken bones, fractured skulls remain common bicycle injuries, especially among teen boys: 20-year review. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/conference-news-releases/broken-bones-fractured-skulls-remain-common-bicycle-injuries-especially-among-teen-boys-20-year-review/. Published Oct. 7, 2022. Accessed Oct. 6, 2022.
- Huffman W, et al. Pediatric fractures associated with riding bicycles: A national twenty-year analysis. Presented at: American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition; Oct. 7-11, 2022; Anaheim.