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Traumatic Head Injuries from Ceiling Fans at a Pediatric Level I Trauma Center in the United States
Logan Muzyka1, Holly Hughes Garza2, Diala Merheb2
1Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.
Pediatric Neurosurgery
|November 19, 2023
Summary
Pediatric head injuries from ceiling fans are often minor, but skull fractures occur. Understanding injury mechanisms like bunk bed falls can guide prevention efforts for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Consumer Product Safety
- Injury Prevention
Background:
- Traumatic head injuries from ceiling fans have been documented globally.
- Metallic ceiling fans have been associated with severe injuries requiring neurosurgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics and mechanisms of pediatric traumatic head injuries caused by ceiling fans.
- To analyze injury patterns and outcomes at a pediatric level 1 trauma center in the Southern USA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for patients under 18 years.
- Inclusion criteria: traumatic head injury from a ceiling fan between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2021.
- Data extraction via electronic medical record queries and manual review.
Main Results:
- 60 children (median age 5.7 years, 53% female) were treated for ceiling fan-related head injuries.
- Lacerations (80%) were most common, followed by scalp swelling/hematoma (20%), contusions (8%), and skull fractures (7%).
- Two patients (3%) required neurosurgery for intracranial hemorrhage and fracture; one involved a metal fan, the other an outdoor fan. Nearly half of injuries occurred on bunk/loft beds (47%), and 18% involved caregivers lifting children.
Conclusions:
- Most pediatric ceiling fan head injuries are minor, but skull fractures occur at a rate similar to international reports.
- Further research into fan construction and blade material effects on injury severity is warranted.
- Identifying common injury mechanisms is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
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