Spine Trauma Associated With Off-Road Vehicles

In brief: A seven-year review of 1,447 cases of spine trauma showed a 10% increase in sports-related spine trauma from 1980 to 1986; 53 cases were associated with use of off-road vehicles (ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorized dirt bikes). Of these 53 injuries, the major contributing factors were alcohol or drug use, inadequate lighting, poor judgment, and young age. The authors suggest the development of safe riding areas, legislation governing safe operation of these vehicles, and a major public education campaign specifically geared toward parents, warning them of the dangers of allowing children to operate these machines.