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Pediatric head injury caused by off-road vehicle accidents
1Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Insights
Pediatric head injuries from off-road vehicles are rising. Most injuries involved loss of vehicle control, with 3.6% of children dying from head trauma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Pediatric head injuries from off-road vehicle use are an increasing concern.
- Data on the epidemiology of these injuries is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, causes, and outcomes of pediatric head injuries related to off-road vehicle use.
- To identify risk factors and injury patterns in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric head injuries admitted to acute care hospitals in Manitoba.
- Data collected from April 1979 to August 1986.
- Inclusion criteria: children aged 2-15 years with head injuries from off-road vehicles.
Main Results:
- 83 children sustained head injuries; 70 were boys.
- Dirtbikes, snowmobiles, and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) were the primary vehicles involved.
- Loss of vehicle control was the most common cause; 3.6% of patients died from head injury.
Conclusions:
- Off-road vehicle use poses a significant risk for pediatric head injuries.
- Prevention efforts should focus on vehicle control and rider safety.
- Associated injuries, particularly musculoskeletal and spinal, are common and warrant attention.
Abstract:
Morbidity and mortality from pediatric head injuries associated with the use of off-road vehicles are increasing. We reviewed all such injuries admitted to acute care hospitals in the two largest urban centers in Manitoba between April 1979 and August 1986. Of 375 injured children, 83 suffered head injury, 70 boys and 13 girls. Ages ranged from 2 to 15 years, with a mean of 10.4 years. Head injury was defined as any injury involving face, scalp or nervous system. Dirtbikes were implicated in 34 accidents, snowmobiles in 28, 3-wheel ATV's in 19, and 4-wheel ATV's in 2. About 85% of accidents occurred in a rural setting. Loss of vehicle control was the most common cause of injury. Alcohol or drug abuse were not factors. Fifty (60.2%) patients suffered loss of consciousness, prolonged in 6 (7.2%). All head-injured children also suffered at least one associated injury, mainly involving the musculoskeletal system. Associated spinal injury occurred in 18%. The average hospital stay was 13 days. Three (3.6%) patients died as a result of head injury.