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Lawnmowers Versus Children: The Devastation Continues
Mariano Garay1, William L Hennrikus2, Joseph Hess3
1Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|October 28, 2016
Summary
Lawnmower injuries in children remain a significant concern, with no change in incidence over 12 years. Most injuries, particularly severe ones, involved ride-on mowers and younger children, highlighting the need for public awareness campaigns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Trauma
- Injury Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- Lawnmower accidents cause severe injuries in children.
- Safety guidelines were introduced in 2001.
- Ride-on mowers are linked to more severe pediatric injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and severity of lawnmower injuries in children (2002-2013).
- To analyze injury variations by age group.
- To identify the types of lawnmowers involved and amputation rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study database (2002-2014).
- Inclusion of children aged 0-17 years admitted for lawnmower-related injuries.
- Stratification by age and analysis of injury severity scores and amputation data.
Main Results:
- Median incidence was 5 per 100,000 children annually.
- Younger children (0-6 years) had higher injury severity scores.
- 53% of patients required amputation; ride-on mowers caused 92% of identified injuries.
Conclusions:
- Serious pediatric lawnmower injuries did not decrease over the study period.
- Preventing young children from being near or operating mowers could prevent 69% of accidents.
- Annual public awareness campaigns are recommended to mitigate risks.