Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025
05:16
Maintenance of a Lateral Fluid Percussion Injury Device
Published on: April 21, 2023
940
Peripheral trauma treated in the pediatric emergency department: Descriptive study
S Suarez-Cabezas1, E Sanavia Morán1, A García García-Galán1
1Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, España.
Revista Espanola De Cirugia Ortopedica Y Traumatologia
|January 21, 2024
Summary
Pediatric peripheral trauma is common, often minor, with many X-rays yielding few diagnoses. New protocols and improved training for complex injuries like elbow and knee trauma are needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Traumatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Peripheral trauma is a frequent reason for pediatric emergency department visits.
- Limited research exists on the characteristics of these pediatric trauma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize traumatic injuries in children within a specific geographic area.
- To identify areas for potential improvement in pediatric trauma care.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive study.
- Analysis of computerized emergency department forms from January-February 2020.
- Inclusion of 714 pediatric peripheral trauma cases.
Main Results:
- Peripheral trauma accounted for 9.5% of all consultations.
- Schoolchildren (6-11 years) comprised 52.7% of cases.
- Ankle (27.5%) and fingers (17.2%) were the most common injury sites.
- Fractures were diagnosed in 6.7% of cases.
- Radiographs were obtained for 78.6% of patients, revealing pathology in 9.6%.
- Referrals to traumatology occurred in 16.4%, primarily for elbow and knee injuries.
Conclusions:
- Most pediatric peripheral trauma cases are minor.
- High rates of radiography yield low diagnostic value, suggesting a need for revised protocols.
- Enhanced training for pediatricians in managing elbow and knee trauma could improve patient care and autonomy.
