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[Translated article] Peripheral trauma treated in the paediatric emergency department: Descriptive study
S Suarez-Cabezas1, E Sanavia Morán1, A García García-Galán1
1Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Pediatric peripheral trauma is common, with most cases being minor. A high rate of X-rays are requested, but few reveal fractures, suggesting a need for improved diagnostic protocols for pediatric limb injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Traumatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Peripheral trauma is a frequent reason for pediatric emergency department visits.
- Limited research exists on the characteristics of pediatric trauma patients.
- Understanding these characteristics is crucial for optimizing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize peripheral traumatic injuries in children within a specific region.
- To identify areas for potential improvement in the management of pediatric trauma.
- To analyze the utilization and yield of diagnostic imaging.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive study design.
- Analysis of computerized emergency department forms from January-February 2020.
- Inclusion of all pediatric patients presenting with peripheral trauma.
Main Results:
- 714 peripheral trauma cases accounted for 9.5% of total consultations.
- Schoolchildren (6-11 years) comprised 52.7% of cases.
- Ankle (27.5%) and fingers (17.2%) were most affected; fractures occurred in 6.7%.
- Radiographs were obtained in 78.6%, with only 9.6% showing pathology.
- Referrals to traumatology (16.4%) were mainly for elbow and knee injuries.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric peripheral trauma is generally benign, but diagnostic imaging is overutilized.
- New protocols are needed to reduce unnecessary X-ray requests and improve diagnostic yield.
- Enhanced training for pediatricians in managing elbow and knee trauma can improve patient care.
Introduction:
Peripheral trauma is a very frequent cause of consultation in paediatric emergency departments but few studies have been published describing the characteristics of these patients.
Material And Methods:
We performed a retrospective descriptive study by reviewing computerised emergency department forms during January and February 2020.
Objective:
To describe the characteristics of traumatic injuries in our area and to detect possible areas for improvement.
Results:
A total of 714 peripheral trauma cases were attended, which represents 9.5% of the total consultations. A total of 52.7% were schoolchildren (6-11 years). The most frequent locations were the ankle (27.5%) and fingers (17.2%). Fracture was detected in 6.7% of cases. Radiographs were requested in 78.6% of the patients, with pathological findings in 9.6% of them. Half of the X-rays were requested due to ankle or finger trauma. Referral to traumatology was made in 16.4% of patients, mainly for elbow and knee trauma, and the most commonly used treatment was general measures (49%) and bandaging (29.4%).
Conclusions:
Peripheral trauma is very common and, in general, banal. A large number of X-rays are requested with a very low yield, so it seems necessary to establish new protocols to reduce the number of requests. Improving training in elbow and knee trauma could improve paediatricians' autonomy in dealing with these more complex injuries.
