Recreational mountain biking injuries

Abstract

Mountain biking is increasing in popularity worldwide. The injury patterns associated with elite level and competitive mountain biking are known. This study analysed the incidence, spectrum and risk factors for injuries sustained during recreational mountain biking. The injury rate was 1.54 injuries per 1000 biker exposures. Men were more commonly injured than women, with those aged 30-39 years at highest risk. The commonest types of injury were wounding, skeletal fracture and musculoskeletal soft tissue injury. Joint dislocations occurred more commonly in older mountain bikers. The limbs were more commonly injured than the axial skeleton. The highest hospital admission rates were observed with head, neck and torso injuries. Protective body armour, clip-in pedals and the use of a full-suspension bicycle may confer a protective effect.

Complex shoulder girdle injuries following mountain bike accidents and a review of the literature

“…The age group most likely to be injured is 30-39 years. 2 We found that complex injuries to the shoulder girdle involving disruption of the four-bar linkage were more common in older cyclists. These injuries are more difficult to treat, although our group achieved good postoperative results.…”

“…2 We found that complex injuries to the Upper limb Clavicle 7 7 5 10 29 Scapula 0 1 2 2 5 Humerus 2 0 2 1 5 Radial head 2 0 3 6 11 Distal radius 1 3 4 6 14 Ulna 0 2 3 1 6 Metacarpals 1 2 2 7 12 Phalanges 2 1 3 4 10 Subtotal 15 16 24 37 shoulder girdle involving disruption of the four-bar linkage were more common in older cyclists.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] Riders are quick to adopt safety measures. Helmet usage is now increasingly common and handlebar adaptations have been discontinued.…”

“…With the rising popularity of the sport, an increasing number of enthusiasts are involved in exploring new, exciting but treacherous terrain. [1][2][3][4][5] We aimed to review the incidence and produce a breakdown of orthopaedic injuries related to this sport at a regional district general hospital in North of England, that serves a population of 550 000. This enabled us to report in greater detail on patients sustaining complex injuries of the shoulder girdle, involving disruption to the four-bar linkage consisting of disruption of the bony-soft tissue ring of structures namely, clavicle, coracoclavicular ligaments and coracoid linkage ( figure 1A).…”

Sports-Related Fractures in South East Scotland: An Analysis of 990 Fractures

“…24 High-energy injury secondary to mountain biking and other cycling disciplines was no more common than in other sports. 23 In a 3-year study from North America, 28% of horse riding injuries resulted in bony injury, and approximately one-fifth of these fractures involved the skull, spine, or pelvis. 25 In a 10-year study of acute injuries in competitive European motocross riders, motocross was second only to motorcycle racing in terms of injury incidence; 25% of injuries were fractures, and one in 10 fractures involved the spine, pelvis, or hip.…”