Injury patterns in patients with QINGQI motorcycle rickshaw related road traffic accidents presenting at accident and emergency department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the patterns of the injuries in patients of Qingqi rickshaw related accidents. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional study. Setting: Accident and Emergency Department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Period: Six months from 1^st of March, 2019 to 31^st of August, 2019. Material & Methods: Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used and all tri-wheeler Qingqi related trauma patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Frequency and percentages were calculated for patterns of injuries and presented as tables. Results: A total of 356 Qingqi rickshaw related injured patients presented in six months study period. There were 243 (68.3%) males and 113 (31.7%) females and a mean age of 32.5 +2.5 years. Soft tissues injuries like subcutaneous edema, abrasions and lacerations were noticed in 206 patients (57.9%). Most common region involved was lower limb in 98 (27.5%) cases followed by upper limb trauma in 65 (18.2%) cases. Ploy trauma was present in 58 (16.3%) and head and spinal injuries were noticed in 27 (7.6%) and13 (3.7%) cases, respectively. The turning over of the rickshaw due to different reasons (47.2%) and head on collision (38.4%) were the leading cause of serious injuries. None of the Qingqi rickshaw drivers (0%) were wearing helmet. A total of 46 (12.9%) cases were pedestrians. Three patients had to undergo amputation for mangled limb injuries. Conclusion: The common pattern of injuries related to Qingqi accidents include lower limb injuries followed by upper limb and poly trauma comprising of head injuries. Males in their younger age group are most commonly injured. These accidents can result in serious morbidity and even mortality. It is now time to consider measures for safety of three-wheelers to reduce such incidents.