Traffic injuries after orthopaedic surgery.

INTRODUCTION

Orthopaedic surgery and post-operative immobilisation can impair the ability to remain safe in traffic and potentially increase the risk of traffic-related incidents. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of traffic-related injuries during the first year after orthopaedic surgery.

METHODS

This cohort study included patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery at Odense University Hospitals, Denmark, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2024 with a 12-month follow-up. Traffic-related injuries were identified from emergency department records. Descriptive statistics summarised patient characteristics, surgical types, and outcomes. We analysed time to traffic incident and mode of transportation to assess temporal patterns.

RESULTS

A total of 17,526 orthopaedic patients were included; 53.7% were women. Only 117 patients (0.7%), 55.6% male, were treated for traffic-related injuries. The proportion of traffic-related injuries was highest among younger patients, with 2.3% aged 18-24 years. Most injuries involved cyclists (44.4%), followed by motorised transport (30.8%), and were mainly solo incidents (60.7%). No clear clustering by transportation mode was observed. Fewer incidents occurred in the early post-operative period, with a gradual increase being observed over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the first year after surgery, 0.7% experienced a traffic incident requiring emergency department contact. This proportion appeared comparable to the background rate of traffic-related emergency department contacts in Denmark.

FUNDING: None.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.