The
rise in popularity of bike riding has led to an increase in more serious
injuries, particularly among cyclists aged 55 to 64. They were treated at
hospital emergency departments nationwide for traumatic brain injuries and
broken bones in the face more than 86,439 times from 2008 to 2017.
The
incidence of these craniofacial injuries varied significantly among age groups.
While patients aged 18 to 24 were injured more frequently, likely due to the
popularity of bicycling in younger adults, patients aged 55 to 64 had the most
significant increase in injuries, with a 54 percent growth over the ten-year
study period.
Traumatic
brain injury was the most commonly diagnosed injury, accounting for nearly 50
percent of emergency department visits. Those aged 45 to 54 were the most
likely to be hospitalized with facial fractures, the most common to nasal
bones, followed by jawbone fractures.
Researchers
say older adults need to practice additional safety precautions when bicycling
to help reduce injuries. Preventative behaviors such as avoiding alcohol before
cycling, wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing, using lights or
reflectors at night, and wearing helmets are simple maneuvers that can be taken
to prevent hospitalizations and decrease cycling-related morbidity.
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