{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Fracture distribution in electric scooter accidents: a nationwide observational cohort study of 1,874 fractures from the Swedish fracture register.
{Author}: Hernefalk B;Brüggemann A;Wolf O;
{Journal}: J Orthop Surg Res
{Volume}: 19
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Jul 30
{Factor}: 2.677
{DOI}: 10.1186/s13018-024-04940-4
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Electric scooters (e-scooters) have become increasingly popular as a mode of transportation in recent years. The impact of e-scooter accidents on the healthcare system and resulting orthopaedic injuries remains largely unknown. This study describes the distribution of fractures caused by e-scooter accidents.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>All patients who had one or more fractures from e-scooter accidents registered in the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) between 7 April 2019 and 30 December 2022 were included. Fractures were classified using the AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) fracture classification system. We analysed the distribution of fractures, the proportion that required surgical management and seasonal variation of injuries.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>During the study period, 1,874 fractures in 1,716 patients were registered in the SFR. The mean age of patients was 29 (SD 14) years and 70% of fractures occurred in males. High-energy accidents accounted for 299 fractures (16%). The most common fractures were of the hand (n = 363, 19%), wrist (n = 352, 19%) and proximal forearm (n = 356, 19%). Wrist fractures were the most common injury in children (n = 183), accounting for 44% of paediatric fractures. Surgical treatment was performed on 556 (30%) fractures, with wrist fractures being the most commonly treated in both adults (n = 78, 17%) and children (n = 36, 36%).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Fractures caused by e-scooter accidents predominantly occur in the upper extremity. E-scooter accidents comprise a new source of injury requiring attention and surgical resources from an already strained healthcare system.