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Major pediatric hand trauma associated with fireworks
R S Moore1, V Tan, J P Dormans
1Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma
|September 23, 2000
Summary
Fireworks cause severe pediatric hand injuries, including fractures and amputations, leading to significant medical costs and resource utilization. Public education and legislative changes are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Trauma Surgery
- Injury Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Fireworks are a common cause of severe injuries in children.
- Hand injuries from fireworks can result in long-term functional deficits and significant economic impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the injury patterns of pediatric hand trauma caused by fireworks.
- To evaluate the economic impact and resource utilization for treating these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric patients with fireworks-related hand injuries over a ten-year period at a Level I trauma center.
- Data collection included injury type, surgical procedures, hospitalization duration, and hospital charges.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two pediatric patients sustained 22 hand injuries, including 31 fractures and 19 amputations.
- Hospitalizations averaged 4.3 days with average charges of $11,582, requiring multiple surgical interventions.
- Digital neurovascular injuries and soft tissue defects necessitated complex reconstructive procedures.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric hand injuries from fireworks are severe, leading to substantial medical resource consumption.
- Preventive measures, including public education and legislative action, are essential to reduce these avoidable injuries.