Citation

Long G, Thompson TM, Storm B, Graham J. Pediatr. Emerg. Care 2011; 27(5): 409-410.

Affiliation

From the Departments of *Emergency Medicine and †Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PEC.0b013e31821d86ea

PMID

21546803

Abstract

BACKGROUND: All-terrain vehicle (ATV) injury is a serious problem in children and adolescents. We report an unusual case of a child with cranial impalement in a rollover ATV crash. CASE: An 8-year-old, reportedly helmeted, was driving an ATV uphill when it rolled over causing cranial impalement of the brake handle just above the left ear. The child was awake and alert at the scene and on arrival in the pediatric emergency department. The child was taken to the operating room where he underwent fiber-optic intubation followed by removal of the brake handle. He was discharged home after 3 days with a normal neurological examination. CONCLUSIONS: All-terrain vehicle injury is an increasing problem in children. This case demonstrates that serious injury can occur even while wearing a helmet. The case demonstrates the dangers associated with children driving or riding ATVs.

Language: en