Injuries and outcomes associated with recreational vehicle accidents in pediatric trauma.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2017
Identifier
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.09.003
Abstract
PURPOSE: To identify injuries and outcomes from Recreational/Off-Highway Vehicles (RV/OHV) accidents at a pediatric trauma center.
METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospective pediatric trauma registry was performed to identify patients sustaining injuries from an RV/OHV between January 2007 and July 2015. Vehicles included: all-terrain vehicles (ATV), dirt bikes, utility-terrain vehicles (UTV), golf carts, go-karts, and dune buggies.
RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-eight patients were injured while on an RV/OHV: 269 ATV, 135 dirt bike, 42 UTV, 38 golf cart, 34 go-kart, and 10 dune buggy. The majority (n=381, 72%) had at least one injury with an Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥2; 39% (n=204) had orthopedic injuries and 22% (n=116) had central neurologic injuries. Over three-fourths (n=412, 78%) were admitted. For the 48% (n=253) of patients requiring surgery, 654 surgical procedures were performed. Median hospital charge was $27,565 (IQR: $15,553-$44,935). Excluding golf carts, helmet use was 49% (n=231); 16% (n=76) wore protective clothing. Only 22% (n=26) wore a restraining belt.
CONCLUSION: Severe injuries occur in children who ride RV/OHV often warranting admission and surgical intervention. Improved understanding of RV/OHV injuries may guide caregivers in decision-making about pediatric RV/OHV use and encourage use of protective gear.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Prognosis Study.
Journal Title
Journal of pediatric surgery
Volume
52
Issue
2
First Page
327
Last Page
333
MeSH Keywords
Accidents; Adolescent; Arizona; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Head Protective Devices; Hospitalization; Hospitals, Pediatric; Humans; Infant; Male; Off-Road Motor Vehicles; Protective Clothing; Registries; Retrospective Studies; Trauma Centers; Treatment Outcome; Wounds and Injuries
Keywords
Helmet; Pediatric trauma; Recreational vehicle; Utility-terrain vehicle; ATV; Dirt bike; Accident
Recommended Citation
Linnaus ME, Ragar RL, Garvey EM, Fraser JD. Injuries and outcomes associated with recreational vehicle accidents in pediatric trauma. J Pediatr Surg. 2017;52(2):327-333. doi:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.09.003
COinS
Comments
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Level II, Prognosis Study.