Adolescent Trauma: Epidemiologic Approach

Trauma caused by all types of injury is the leading reason for visits to the emergency department, hospital admission, and death among adolescents in the United States. Injury related to motor vehicles is the predominant killer, followed by homicide, suicide, drowning, and firearm accidents. In addition, the rate of injuries resulting from sports (both organized and unsupervised) and recreational activity increases throughout adolescence. The task for the physician in the emergency setting is not only to treat bodily damage but also to introduce the subject of prevention and to assess other injury risks for a given patient.