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Published on: September 21, 2017
Pediatric head and neck trauma from all-terrain vehicle accidents
Brian S Wang1, Stacey L Smith, Kevin D Pereira
1Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Brian.S.Wang@uth.tmc.edu
Insights
Pediatric head and neck trauma from all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is a significant concern, with most injuries occurring in drivers and a high rate of helmet non-use. Prevention strategies like helmet mandates and prohibiting passengers are crucial.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- All-terrain vehicle (ATV) use is prevalent among children and adolescents.
- ATV-related injuries represent a significant public health burden.
- Pediatric head and neck trauma from ATVs requires characterization to inform prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the patterns of pediatric head and neck trauma resulting from ATV incidents.
- To identify risk factors and injury types associated with ATV use in children.
- To inform public health strategies for ATV injury prevention in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis.
- Data collected from a level I pediatric trauma center.
- Inclusion of demographic, injury, treatment, and outcome data for pediatric patients admitted for ATV-related trauma.
Main Results:
- Thirty-four pediatric patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 12 years.
- The majority of patients (74%) were ATV drivers; 76% were not wearing helmets.
- Central nervous system injuries were most common, followed by soft tissue injuries and maxillofacial fractures requiring operative intervention.
Conclusions:
- ATV-related morbidity and mortality in children are substantial public health issues.
- Primary prevention strategies, including mandatory helmet use and prohibiting passengers, are essential.
- National trends show increasing ATV-related injuries in children, highlighting the need for intervention.
Objective:
To characterize pediatric head and neck trauma from all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) at a single institution.
Study Design/Setting:
Retrospective case series at a level I pediatric trauma center.
Results:
Thirty-four patients were admitted: average age was 12 years, with 68% between 12 and 16 years and 32% under 12 years. The patient was the driver in 74% of cases and the passenger in 17% of cases. Driver average age was 12.7 years and passenger average age was 10.5 years. Seventy-six percent of children were not wearing helmets. Average hospital stay was 6 days, with 81% of cases discharged home. Central nervous system injuries were most common, followed by soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue repair was the most frequent procedure, and most maxillofacial fractures required operative intervention.
Conclusions:
ATV-related morbidity and mortality in children are significant public health issues amenable to primary prevention by prohibiting passengers on ATVs and requiring helmet use.
Significance:
National trends indicate increasing ATV-related injuries in children.
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