Description and comparison of motorcycle crash related injuries using the barell injury diagnosis matrix

Background/Purpose: To describe injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes using the CDC Barell Injury Diagnosis Matrix.

Methods: We studied Utah motor vehicle crash reports for motorcyclists from 1996-2009 probabilistically linked to emergency department (ED) and hospital billing records. We used the Barell matrix derived from ICD-9 CM diagnosis codes to assign injury definitions. We describe injuries using summary statistics and model the odds of receiving each injury adjusting for motorcyclist and crash characteristics using logistic regression models.

Results/Outcomes: We studied 6,053 motorcyclists seen in the ED or hospital following a crash. Motorcyclists received traumatic brain (18%), other head/face/neck (31%), torso (31%), upper extremity (56%) and lower extremity (55%) injuries. Contusions/superficial injuries (64%), fractures (46%), open wounds (20%), and internal injuries (20%) were the most prevalent natures of injury. Extremity contusions/superficial injuries (Upper 41%, Lower 40%) were the most prevalent combinations. Helmet use was associated with reduced odds of traumatic brain injury and other head, face, and neck injuries. Speeding and alcohol/drug suspicion was associated with increased odds of many injury types. Single-vehicle crashes were predictive of upper extremity dislocations and open wounds, and protective for lower extremity fractures and open wounds.

Conclusions: Helmet use was associated with reducing a variety of injuries related to the head, face and neck. The Barell matrix was useful for visualizing the distribution of injuries by body region and nature of injury, giving a broad picture of injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes.