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Golf related head injuries in children
1Accident and Emergency Department, Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Aberdeen, UK. diana.macgregor@arh.grampian.scot.nhs.uk
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|November 8, 2002
Summary
Golf-related head injuries in children are common, with most caused by clubs. Increased awareness and safety education are crucial to prevent serious injuries from golf.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Sports Injury Epidemiology
- Traumatology
Background:
- Golf is a popular sport with inherent risks.
- Head injuries in children from sports equipment require careful assessment.
- Public awareness of golf-related head injury risks may be low.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and severity of head injuries in children caused by golf clubs or balls.
- To emphasize the potential for serious head trauma in pediatric golf injuries.
- To advocate for increased public awareness to reduce golf-related morbidity in children.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of case notes was conducted.
- The study included children aged 3-13 years presenting to an accident and emergency department.
- Data were collected over a seven-month period for head injuries sustained from golf activities.
Main Results:
- Thirty-seven children (78% male) sustained head injuries, primarily during school holidays.
- Golf clubs caused 33 injuries, while golf balls caused 4.
- Common injuries included lacerations (60%), haematomas (33%), and symptoms like dizziness (19%); one compound depressed skull fracture occurred.
Conclusions:
- Parents may underestimate the risk of severe, permanent, or fatal head injuries from golf.
- Early golf safety education is essential.
- Parent and player education strategies are recommended to decrease injuries in this sport.