Spinal cord injuries due to falls from hunting tree stands in Oklahoma, 1988-1999

Serious injuries resulting in paralysis or death have been shown to occur to hunters who have sustained falls from tree stands. A total of sixteen spinal cord injuries or deaths among Oklahoma hunters falling from tree stands were reported between 1987 and 1999. The mean height of the falls was 16.4 feet. Three (18.8%) of the cases were related to substance use. None of the patients were using a safety restraint. Nearly 90% of the injuries resulted in paraplegia/paresis; two (12.5%) of the injuries resulted in death. Forty-four percent of the spinal injuries occurred at the thoraco-lumbor junction (T12 or L1). Burst fractures were the most common fracture pattern. Hospitalizations averaged 19.6 days (range 3 to 73 days) and eight (50%) were discharged to inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Falls from tree stands can result in serious injuries or death. Hunter education and the use of safety harnesses for prevention of injuries related to tree stands are paramount.