Trauma Characteristics Associated with E-Scooter Accidents in Switzerland-A Case Series Study

E-scooters have gained popularity worldwide in the last few years. Due to the increase in users, more accidents related to e-scooters can be observed. The present study aimed to analyse epidemiological data, characteristics, and severity of injuries in patients admitted to a Level I trauma centre in Switzerland (Inselspital Bern, University Hospital Bern) after accidents associated with e-scooters. This retrospective case series evaluated 23 patients who presented to the University Hospital of Bern between 1 of May 2019 and 31 of October 2021 after an e-scooter accident. Data were collected on patient demographics, time and cause of the accident, speed, alcohol consumption, helmet use, type and localisation of injury, number of injuries per patient, and outcome. Men were most frequently affected (61.9%). The mean age was 35.8 (STD 14.8) years. Slightly more than half (52.2%) of all accidents were self-inflicted. Most accidents were reported during the night (7 p.m. to 7 a.m., 60.9%) and in summer (43.5%). Alcohol consumption was reported in 43.5% of cases, with a mean blood alcohol level of 1.4 g/l. Most injuries were observed in the face (25.3%) and head/neck area (20.25%). Skin abrasions (56.5%) and traumatic brain injury (43.5%) were the most common types of traumata in terms of total number of patients. Only in one case it was reported that a protective helmet had been worn. Five patients required hospitalisation and four patients underwent surgery. Three patients underwent emergency orthopaedic surgery, and one patient underwent emergency neurosurgery. E-scooter accidents result in a significant number of facial and head/neck injuries. E-scooter riders would potentially benefit from a helmet to protect them in the event of an accident. Additionally, the results of this study indicate that a significant number of e-scooter accidents in Switzerland occurred under the influence of alcohol. Prevention campaigns to raise awareness of the risks of driving e-scooters under the influence of alcohol could help prevent future accidents.

The effect of synthetic bone graft substitutes on bone formation in rabbit calvarial defects

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the intensity of the biomimetic hydroxyapatite (HA) coating of α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) on biomaterial degradation and bone formation. Twenty-four female NZW rabbits of approximately 12 weeks of age were used. Critical size defects were randomly treated with 3%:97% HA:α-TCP (BBCP1), 12%:88% HA:α-TCP (BBCP2), and 23%:77% HA:α-TCP (BBCP3), respectively or sham. All defects were covered with a resorbable collagen membrane. Animals were euthanized after 3 and 12 weeks of healing and samples were investigated by micro-CT and histologic analysis. Ingrowth of newly formed woven bone from the original bone at 3-week healing period was observed in all samples. At the 12-week healing period, the new bone in the peripheral area was mainly lamellar and in the central region composed of both woven and lamellar bone. New bony tissue was found on the surface of all three types of granules and at the interior of the BBCP1 granules. Samples with 3% HA showed significantly less residual biomaterial in comparison to the other two groups. Furthermore, BBCP1 significantly promoted new bone area as compared to other three groups and more bone volume as compared to the control. Within its limitations, this study indicated the highest degradation rate in case of BBCP1 concomitant with the highest rate of bone formation. Hence, formation of new bone can be affected by the level of biomimetic HA coating of α-TCP.