It is widely acknowledged that, as a road user, the motorcyclist is less visible, less well protected, and therefore generally at greater risk of injury than the car occupant in the accident situation. The lower limb is particularly vulnerable to injury. Although in itself a leg injury is seldom a life-threatening event, it frequently has long term repercussions for the rider, and the cost to society is high.

This retrospective study examines in detail the injuries of all motorcycle riders passing through 5 major accident and emergency departments in Strathclyde Region in the calendar year from 1st January 1988. The aim was to provide a current and realistic view of both the nature and the extent of the leg injury problem, in relation to the incidence of other body injuries. Two hundred and seventeen individuals were studied (201 drivers, 16 passengers) of which 134 sustained some degree of leg trauma, but a surprising proportion required Only minimal treatment. For those hospitalised, treatment given, time spent in treatment, and predicted outcome were noted.

Data was gathered from medical records only, and accident details were obtained from the same source where possible. Some suggestions are made for improved leg protection and for general injury reduction in motorcycle accidents.