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Neurologic injuries associated with all-terrain vehicles and recommendations for protective measures for the
A Russell1, F A Boop, W B Cherny
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
Insights
All-terrain vehicle (ATV) use poses significant risks, particularly to children, with severe neurologic injuries common in accidents. Pediatricians should educate families on ATV dangers and safety measures to prevent these injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Trauma surgery
- Public health and safety
Background:
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are often perceived as recreational toys but pose significant safety risks.
- Pediatric populations are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries from ATV accidents.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of 33 patients with neurologic injuries from ATV accidents was conducted over 40 months.
- The majority of injured patients (21/33) were under 16 years old, with the predominant age range being 12-15 years.
- Common injury mechanisms included being thrown, striking objects, and vehicle rollovers, resulting primarily in cranial and spinal trauma.
Findings:
- Despite a national decrease in the proportion of ATV-related injuries, the severity of consequences remains high.
- Cranial injuries were most frequent (21 cases), followed by spinal injuries (11 cases).
- Helmet use and restricting ATV access are crucial for reducing injury incidence and severity.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers, especially pediatricians, must actively educate parents and young patients about the inherent dangers of ATVs.
- Public health initiatives should focus on promoting safer recreational practices and enforcing age/usage restrictions for ATVs.
- Further research into effective injury prevention strategies for pediatric ATV users is warranted.
Objective:
To present data and case studies illustrating the danger, especially in the pediatric population, of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use, and to provide recommendations for pediatricians on how to educate parents concerning ATVs.
Design:
Retrospective review of 33 patients with neurologic injuries sustained in ATV accidents presenting to one institution over a 40-month period.
Setting:
Emergency department and neurosurgery service at Arkansas Children's Hospital and two other hospitals that make up the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Patients:
All patients (n = 33) who presented between January 1993 and April 1996 at the emergency departments with neurologic injuries sustained in accidents involving either a three- or four-wheel ATV requiring hospitalization.
Interventions:
Depending on the nature of the injury, various treatments, as described herein.
Main Outcome Measures:
Demographic measures, the mechanisms of injury, the types of injuries; the current data available regarding the number of injuries nationwide; and the precautionary measures parents should be advised to take.
Results:
Ages ranged from four to 68 years (mean, 18; median, 14), 21 of the patients were < 16 years old. The predominant age range was 12 to 15 years; most common mechanisms of injury were being thrown to the ground, striking a tree, and flipping backward. Most injuries were cranial (21) or spinal (11). Nationwide, the proportionate number of injuries are decreasing, but the consequences remain severe. Using a helmet and restricting the use of these vehicles will reduce the number and magnitude of injuries.
Conclusions:
Although perceived as recreational toys, ATVs can be extremely unsafe, especially for children and adolescents; pediatricians should educate parents and patients on the dangers of riding these vehicles.