Pediatric head and neck injuries due to golf cart trauma
Brandon Miller1, Eden Yelverton1, Jesus Monico2
1Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
Insights
Children are more vulnerable to golf cart injuries, especially to the head and neck. This study analyzed national data on golf cart accidents, revealing higher risks for pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Trauma research
- Pediatric safety
- Public health
Background:
- Golf carts are increasingly used beyond golf courses.
- They are often perceived as low-risk transportation.
- However, significant injuries, particularly in children, have been documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze golf cart-related head and neck injuries in children and adults.
- Utilize national emergency department data for comprehensive analysis.
Main Methods:
- Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) were queried.
- Analysis included age, diagnosis, injured body part, disposition, injury location, and mechanism.
- A total of 3433 patients over an 11-year period were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Children (≤16 years) comprised 42.9% of the cohort (1471 patients).
- Children sustained head/neck injuries more frequently (42.6% vs. 28.6%) and were more often ejected (61.7% vs. 44.6%).
- Pediatric patients had a higher incidence of head, neck, or face fractures (3.9% vs. 2.4%).
Conclusions:
- Children are at a significantly higher risk for golf cart-related injuries.
- Head and neck trauma are particularly concerning in pediatric golf cart incidents.
- Findings highlight the need for enhanced safety measures for children using golf carts.
Introduction:
Golf carts are increasingly used off the golf course and are often viewed as innocuous modes of transportation. However, research has shown they can cause significant injuries, particularly to children.
Objectives:
Analyze golf cart related head and neck injuries in children and adults from a national database.
Methods:
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for golf cart injuries. The NEISS tracks consumer product related injuries from a sampling of approximately 100 emergency departments across the United States. Age, general diagnosis (concussion, fracture, laceration), body-part injured, disposition (hospitalized, discharged), location injury occurred, and mechanism of injury were analyzed.
Results:
Over an 11-year period, a total of 3433 total patients were identified. There were 1471 children (16 years old or younger), which compromised 42.9% of the cohort. Children were injured at home or on the road 44.7% of the time compared to only 16.6% of adults (p < 0.003). Children injured their head or neck 42.6% of the time compared to 28.6% of adults (p < 0.0001). Adults who were hit by a car while riding a golf cart or were ejected from the golf cart 44.6% of the time compared to 61.7% of children (p < 0.0001). There were 3.9% of children with a face, head, or neck fracture compared to only 2.4% of adults (p = 0.01).
Conclusion:
Children are more vulnerable to golf cart related injuries, specifically to the head and neck.
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