Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Limb Injuries Related to Motorcycle Accidents in Toamasina, Madagascar

Introduction

Road traffic accidents remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable due to the absence of structural protection. In Madagascar, recent hospital-based data on limb injuries related to motorcycle accidents are scarce. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of limb injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents managed at CHU Morafeno Toamasina.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted over a three-year period, from January 2021 to December 2023, in the Orthopedic and Traumatology Department of CHU Morafeno Toamasina. All patients admitted with limb injuries following road traffic accidents involving motorcycles were included. Data were analyzed using Excel and Epi Info 7 software.

Results

Among 265 patients admitted for road traffic accidents, 198 cases (74.7%) were related to motorcycle accidents. The mean age was 32.6 years, with a male predominance (63.6%). Lower limbs were the most frequently injured (69.8%). Fractures accounted for 59.1% of injuries, including 20.7% open fractures. Surgical management was required in 38.4% of cases. After a mean follow-up of three months, outcomes were favorable in 69.2% of patients.

Conclusion

Motorcycle-related limb injuries are frequent in Toamasina and mainly affect young adults. The severity of these injuries highlights the need to strengthen road safety prevention strategies and optimize trauma care.