Incidence, Mechanisms of Injury, and Outcomes of Golf Cart-Related Head Trauma: A Single-Center Experience

BackgroundDespite the reported rise in both golf cart (GC) usage and associated trauma in the United States, epidemiologic data describing their neurological impact is scarce. This study aims to describe the incidence, mechanisms, and outcomes of GC-associated head trauma in patients requiring neurosurgical consultation.MethodsPatients at a single institution admitted for GC-related head trauma requiring neurosurgical consultation between November 2013 and August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and described.ResultsA total of 97 patients were identified. Most patients presented with Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) on admission of 13 to 15 (93.81%) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0 to 2 (91.75%). The most common reported mechanism of injury was fall or jump from a moving GC (73.20%) and the most common diagnosis was intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) (57.73%). Five total patients (5.15%) required neurosurgical intervention with only one patient (1.03%) expiring secondary to their trauma. 94.85% of patients (n = 92) were discharged with mRS scores ranging from 0 to 2. Univariate linear regression analyses demonstrated that patient age, presenting GCS, admission mRS score of 3-6, alcohol intoxication, presence of intracranial bleed, and LOC were predictors of hospital LOS. Necessitation of neurosurgical intervention was significantly associated only with admission mRS between 3 and 6.DiscussionGC-related neurotrauma poses a serious yet potentially preventable health concern to drivers and bystanders alike. Policies regarding seatbelt usage and safety measures for GCs continue to vary widely state-to-state and require data to inform decisions. This is the largest study to-date evaluating the incidence, mechanisms, and outcomes of GC-associated neurotrauma.