Scooter accidents in the megacity of Istanbul: An analysis of orthopedic injury trends and characteristics from a level I trauma center

This study aimed to analyze orthopedic injury patterns and characteristics resulting from scooter accidents in Istanbul, Turkey, focusing on trends related to time, day, season, and demographic factors. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 375 patients treated for scooter-related injuries at a Level I trauma center in Istanbul. The study period spanned the years of 2018 to 2023. Injuries were categorized by body region and treatment types were analyzed, including the need for surgical intervention and associated costs. Seasonal and temporal patterns of injuries were examined with specific attention to peak admission times and days of the week. The study population consisted of 250 male (66.7%) and 125 female patients (33.3%), with a mean age of 22.6years. Most injuries were due to low-energy trauma (86.4%), with only 13.6% resulting from high-energy trauma. The majority of patients had upper extremity injuries (45.1%), followed by lower extremity injuries (26.9%). Fractures were present in 57% of cases with common injuries including hand-wrist fractures (17.1%) and elbow fractures (13.9%). Surgical intervention was required for 10.9% of these patients and the remainder were treated conservatively. The mean cost for patients with fractures was significantly higher for those requiring surgical treatment ($602.28) compared to conservative management ($36.49, <i>p</i>=0.001). A peak in admissions was identified at 8:00PM, with significant injury rates observed on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Increased admissions were observed from May to September, with July being the busiest month. From 2018 to 2021; there was a 250–350% increase in scooter injuries, followed by a decrease in 2022 and 2023. Our study reveals a notable trend of increased scooter-related orthopedic injuries in Istanbul, particularly during late afternoon and evening hours and on weekends. The seasonal peak in injuries supports the association between warmer weather and higher scooter use on holidays and days off. The observed increase in injuries followed by a more recent decline may reflect changes in mobility patterns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These results highlight the need for targeted preventive measures and safety interventions during peak times and seasons to reduce scooter-related injuries in urban settings.