Citation

Edmonson BC, Wilson MW, Fleming JC, Haik BG. Ophthal. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 2004; 20(2): 99-102.

Affiliation

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15083075

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe the spectrum of ophthalmic injuries in children involved in all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of a level 1 children's trauma center to identify cases with ICD-9 codes pertaining to crashes involving ATVs and cross-referenced for ophthalmic trauma. From these cases, we documented the nature of the crash, patient's age, ophthalmic injuries received, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: Twenty children, 5 to 16 years of age (mean, 11.1 years), involved in ATV crashes were admitted between June 1997 and April 2002. One was riding with an adult and 3 with other children; 16 were operating the vehicles alone at the time of their crashes. None was wearing a helmet, and all had head trauma. Nine patients had ophthalmic injuries, including lacerations of the eyelid (n = 5), orbital fractures (n = 9), and traumatic optic neuropathies (n = 2). The latter two had final visual acuities of count fingers and no light perception. The average length of hospitalization was 6.6 days. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic trauma is a frequent complication of ATV crashes involving children. Injuries may range from minor lacerations to complex orbital fractures; visual loss may be severe. We believe that the age of the vehicles' operators and their failure to wear protective helmets contribute to the severity of injuries.