Pediatric Upper Extremity Trauma Secondary to All-terrain Vehicle Use

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopaedics
• Trauma Surgery
• Public Health & Safety

Background:

• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are popular for recreation, but pose risks to children.
• Orthopaedic and pediatric organizations recommend age restrictions and supervision for ATV use.
• Current practices often disregard recommendations, leading to a high incidence of pediatric upper extremity trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use on pediatric upper extremity injuries.
• To identify injury patterns, common sites, and treatment outcomes in young ATV users.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients aged 18 and younger with ATV-related upper extremity trauma.
• Data collected from a single Level I Trauma Center between 1996 and 2006.
• Analysis of patient demographics, injury types, locations, surgical interventions, and hospital stay duration.

Main Results:

• 65 pediatric patients (average age 12.3) with ATV-related upper extremity trauma were identified.
• Fractures and dislocations were the most common injuries across all age groups.
• Injury sites varied by age: hand/elbow (under 12), elbow (12-16), and wrist (over 16).
• Average of 4.8 operations per patient; open reduction internal fixation was the most common surgery.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric ATV use results in severe upper extremity injuries, frequently necessitating surgical intervention.
• Current safety recommendations are not widely followed, contributing to the high injury rates.
• More stringent ATV use restrictions for children and prioritizing safety education are essential to reduce injuries.