THE CHARACTERISTICS OF INJURY SITES AND INJURY SEVERITY BY DIFFERENCES IN THE ROAD USER TYPE–AN ANALYSIS OF THE JAPANESE TRAUMA DATA BANK ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2004-2008–

Abstract

　　[Purpose] We examined differences in injury sites and severity by traffic accident types, using data registered in the Japanese Trauma Data Bank (JTDB). [Subjects and methods] This study involved 13,258 cases with road traffic injuries that had been registered in the JTDB over the 5-year period from 2004 to 2008. Data for (1) age, (2) mechanism of injury, (3) diagnosis, and (4) injury severity were obtained. [Statistical analysis] Residual analysis was performed. [Results] In regard to the head, there were only a few severe or worse injuries among drivers and those in the passenger seats of vehicles and motorcyclists, whereas severe injuries were common among bicyclists and pedestrians. Facial injuries were numerous in bicyclists, many of which were moderate to severe. While chest and abdominal injuries were common among drivers and those in the passenger seats of vehicles, there were many severe chest injuries among motorcyclists. Spinal injuries were often sustained by passengers in vehicles. [Conclusion] This study revealed differences in injury sites according to traffic accident types. We hope that this study will contribute to devising measures for reducing both the number and the severity of traffic injuries.