A 9 year retrospective review of motorcycle accidents at a level 1 trauma center in Riyadh

Abstract

Introduction

Motorcycle accidents are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an increasing trend observed in Saudi Arabia. These accidents often result in severe injuries, leading to long-term disability or death, highlighting the need for better understanding and management in trauma centers. These findings highlight the vulnerability of motorcyclists on the roads and underscore the critical need to address motorcycle safety in order to reduce the burden of road traffic accidents.

Methods

This retrospective study assessed the rate, injury patterns, and outcomes of motorcycle accidents at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh, a level 1 trauma center, from January 2016 to December 2024. A total of 415 adult patients were included, with data on demographics, injury types, and treatment outcomes collected from hospital records. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, intubation, and surgical intervention.

Results

The cohort consisted predominantly of young males (84.1 %), with the highest incidence observed in the 18–35 age group. Common injuries included fractures (86.7 %), brain injuries/bleeding (38.1 %), and cut/open wounds (27.5 %). Although the incidence peaked in 2023, no statistically significant trend was observed over the study period. Moreover, a surgical intervention was required in 69.9 % of the cases, with 28.2 % experiencing long-term disability, which was defined based on discharge disposition and documented rehabilitation needs Factors significantly associated with ICU admission and intubation included head injuries, chest injuries, and facial trauma.

Conclusion

Motorcycle accidents continue to pose a significant public health challenge in Saudi Arabia, with young male motorcyclists being the most vulnerable group. The high incidence of fractures and brain injuries emphasizes the importance of improving safety measures to reduce the severity of injuries.