Description
In this presentation, Suraj Sankar, an Orthopedic Registrar at Kettering General Hospital, discusses a study on orthopedic injuries associated with electric scooter use in Northampton General Hospital, England. Suraj outlines how electric scooters have gained popularity as a mode of transport, particularly in urban areas, since the UK trial began in July 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic responses. The study seeks to elucidate the safety concerns surrounding these scooters, particularly given the rise in orthopedic injuries reported.
The findings reveal that out of 79 patients treated for e-scooter related injuries during the study period from September 2020 to December 2021, most were males with an average age of 30.1 years. Common incidents included upper limb injuries, particularly in warmer months and peaked in June 2021. Types of injuries included fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries, indicating a significant burden on healthcare resources. Surgical interventions were required for nearly 30% of cases, reflecting the complexity of injuries involved.
Suraj details the substantial costs incurred from surgeries and the operating theatre time associated with these injuries, estimating a total economic impact of £77,000, not including implant costs. The discussion also touches on the absence of pedestrian deaths due to e-scooter accidents up until June 2021, emphasizing the need for prudent policymaking and awareness before the full legalization of e-scooters.
Audience members pose questions regarding the circumstances of injuries, particularly whether they occurred during legal or illegal use of scooters. Suraj acknowledges the limitations in documentation and reiterates the necessity for deeper analysis into these incidents. Moreover, comparisons are drawn between e-scooter injuries and those resulting from bicycle accidents, with Suraj noting that existing data suggests e-scooters pose a slightly higher risk of injury. Ultimately, he calls for a balanced view of the benefits of electric scooters as an efficient mode of transport against the challenges of user safety and the implications for public health.