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Falls in urban children. A problem revisited.
1Department of Surgery, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL 60637.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Urban falls are a significant public health issue for children and adolescents, with a notable increase in incidents. Injuries, often fractures, are more severe in older children, though overall mortality and sequelae remain low.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Falls represent a common cause of pediatric emergency room visits in urban environments.
- A previous study indicated 66 admissions for falls between 1965-1974.
- The current review examines 48 pediatric fall admissions from 1980-1985.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends and injury patterns in pediatric urban falls.
- To compare incidence rates with previous data.
- To identify risk factors and outcomes associated with pediatric falls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 48 pediatric patients admitted for vertical falls from height.
- Data collected between 1980-1985.
- Comparison with historical data from 1965-1974.
Main Results:
- A 37.5% increase in pediatric fall admissions was observed compared to the previous period.
- Most falls occurred from heights of 12 feet or less, with an increasing proportion from 36 feet or less.
- Fractures, particularly of the ulna and/or radius, were the most common injuries.
- Children over 3 years old were more likely to sustain significant injuries (67%) than those under 3 (27%).
- The peak age of incidence shifted to 2-6 years, with a mean injury age of 7.5 years.
Conclusions:
- Urban falls remain a significant public health concern for children.
- The 6- to 7-year age group is particularly affected.
- Despite high costs, mortality and long-term sequelae rates are low.