Lower Limb Injuries to Riders of Motorcycles

The frequency and severity of leg injuries to motorcycle riders is illustrated through published literature. Of injured riders receiving hospital treatment, over 50% have a significant leg injury. In environments where crash helmet use is high, the leg is the body region most frequently injured. Within that anatomical region the lower leg is damaged most frequently. The problem of injury severity and disability is discussed briefly where the AIS Procedure is shown to have limited value, particularly for the lower leg. The generally severe nature of motorcyclists' leg injuries is emphasized in terms of the frequent need for shin and bone grafting, and the heel flap injury almost unique to motorcycling is discussed. Crush and impact injury mechanisms are reviewed, and then some possibilities for the introduction of leg protection and crashworthiness of motorcycles as a concept is mentioned.