OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of motorcycle related trauma (MCRT) admitted to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

METHOD: Restrospective analysis of records of motorcycle crash victims admitted to the Trauma Division, Department of Surgery, PGH from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2006.

RESULTS: MCRT victims comprised 6.7% of all trauma admissions to PGH. Most were males (83.8%) and young adults (median age 26 years), and 38.6% were road users other than motorcycle drivers or passengers (primarily pedestrians). Two-thirds of victims suffered multiple injuries (68.9%). Common injuries were maxillo-facial (78%), fractures of the lower and upper extremeities (46.9% and 36.1%, respectively) and traumatic brain injuries (40.7%). The median length of hospital stay was 13 days. The in-hospital mortality rate was 5.8%, 43% of fatalities were due to traumatic brain injuries. Based on self-reported information, 88% of the motorcyclist victims were riding under the influence of alcohol, and 13% were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of MCRT victims are not motorcycle users. There is an urgent need to implement effective strategies to prevent MCRT in the Philippines, including the implementation of enforcement of national laws agains drink driving and use of standard helmets.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Motorcycles ; Head Protective Devices ; Hospital Mortality ; Pedestrians ; Hospitalization ; Brain Injuries, Traumatic ; Multiple Trauma

Objectives: To provide a representative data on the local profile of motorcycle-related ocular trauma seen in a tertiary hospital over a period of one year. Methodology: A retrospective case review of all motorcycle-related trauma patients seen at the emergency room of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) by the Trauma Service of the Department of Surgery and referred to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) for eye injuries was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence and types of injuries, and the factors affecting these injuries. Results: Thrity-four charts were reviewed; 9 (26.5%) patients had bilateral ocular involvement and 25 (73.5%) unilateral, a total of 43 eyes. The patients were mostly males in their productive age, belonged to the lower economic bracket, and came from nearby Southern Luzon provinces and the National Capital Region (NCR). Most of the injuries incurred were mild and involved the external surface of the eye. Night motorcycle driving, fair weather, and alcohol use were risks identified for motorcycle-related ocular injuries. Helmet use was the only identifiable risk indirectly correlated with severity of ocular injury. Conclusion Although majority of the ophthalmic injuries were classified as mild, and eyes involved had generally good visual potential, helmet use was the only identifiable risk associated with the severity of the ocular injury
Motorcycles