Footwear effect on the orthopedic injury profile in ankle and foot trauma caused by motorcycle accidents.

Motorcycle accidents represent a significant cause of trauma in developing countries such as Brazil. Within the possible lesions, lower limb injuries are among the most prevalent, with ankle and foot injuries causing a high incidence of morbidity and long-term sequelae. This may partly be due to the low use of protective footwear. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between the prevalence and severity of lower limb injuries at the ankle and foot level in motorcycle accident victims and the use or non-use of appropriate footwear. To this end, data collection was conducted in the emergency department and inpatient unit of a trauma reference hospital in the interior of the state of Ceará, using a form, clinical images, clinical examinations of injuries, and information from personal medical records over a two-month period. The results showed a significant association between inadequate use of protective footwear and an increase in the frequency and severity of soft tissue injuries. Additionally, the use of closed protective footwear covering the ankle demonstrated a noteworthy protective value. However, no significant relationship was found between footwear use and the presence or severity of fractures, hospitalization, or the need for surgical procedures.