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Pediatric trauma associated with all-terrain vehicles
Insights
All-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries in children are increasing and often severe. This study highlights the significant risk of serious trauma, including head injuries and fractures, associated with ATV use in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- All-terrain vehicle (ATV) use is associated with a rising incidence of severe pediatric injuries.
- These injuries often involve multiple body systems and require intensive care.
- Data on the specific patterns and severity of ATV-related injuries in children are crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients admitted to a hospital for injuries sustained from all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use.
- To underscore the severity of ATV-related trauma in children and inform public health initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric trauma admissions between January 1, 1983, and February 28, 1985.
- Identification and analysis of patients injured specifically due to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use.
- Detailed documentation of injury types, severity, treatment, and hospital course.
Main Results:
- Twelve pediatric patients were treated for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries, with four requiring intensive care.
- Common injuries included closed head injuries, long bone fractures, splenic ruptures, and liver lacerations.
- The average age of injured children was 12 years, with an average hospital stay of 20 days.
- One patient experienced long-term neurologic deficits requiring rehabilitation.
Conclusions:
- All-terrain vehicle (ATV) use poses a significant risk of severe and multiple injuries in the pediatric population.
- Increased physician and public awareness of ATV injury potential is warranted.
- Advocacy for legislation promoting helmet use and higher safety standards for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is recommended.
Abstract:
The frequency of injuries secondary to use of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) is increasing at an alarming rate, and these injuries are usually multiple and severe. Between January 1, 1983, and February 28, 1985, 415 pediatric patients were admitted to the University of Virginia Hospital for care of injuries secondary to trauma; 66 of these patients required intensive care. Of the 415 patients, 12 were injured secondary to ATV use, and four of these required intensive care. The average age was 12 years (range 2 to 16 years), and the average hospital stay was 20 days. Injuries included five closed head injuries, two associated with a basilar skull fracture requiring intracranial pressure monitoring; five long bone fractures, two requiring open reduction and internal fixation; two small bone fractures; two splenic ruptures; two liver lacerations, one of them requiring laparotomy; and one renal hematoma. One patient has required long-term rehabilitation for neurologic deficits. Physicians and the public should be aware of the injury potential of these vehicles and should advocate legislation promoting helmet laws and high safety standards for ATV users.
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