Pediatric head and neck trauma from all-terrain vehicle accidents.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize pediatric head and neck trauma from all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) at a single institution.

STUDY DESIGN/

SETTING

Retrospective case series at a level I pediatric trauma center.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were admitted: average age was 12 years, with 68% between 12 and 16 years and 32% under 12 years. The patient was the driver in 74% of cases and the passenger in 17% of cases. Driver average age was 12.7 years and passenger average age was 10.5 years. Seventy-six percent of children were not wearing helmets. Average hospital stay was 6 days, with 81% of cases discharged home. Central nervous system injuries were most common, followed by soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue repair was the most frequent procedure, and most maxillofacial fractures required operative intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

ATV-related morbidity and mortality in children are significant public health issues amenable to primary prevention by prohibiting passengers on ATVs and requiring helmet use.

SIGNIFICANCE: National trends indicate increasing ATV-related injuries in children.