Citation

Ahmed A, Khan MS, Al-Asfar F, Al-Awadi N. Kuwait Med. J. 2005; 37(3): 185.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Kuwait Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: To assess the severity of All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) injuries and its impact on public health in Kuwait. Design: Retrospective study conducted between January 2002 and August 2003. Setting: Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of Adan Hospital, Kuwait. Subjects and methods: Medical records of 462 consecutive ATV accident victims seen at the A&E department of Adan Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Out of 462 patients, 364 (78.8%). Their ages ranged from 3.5 to 63 years (mean = 17.8 years). Out of 462 patients, 107 (23%) required admission to the hospital. 18.6% of these admissions (20/107) required ICU care. Fractures of extremities were common among admitted cases (44/107, 41%). Tibia, fibula and femur were the most common bones involved in these accidents. The face was the commonest site of injury in all patients. Conclusion: The ATV accidents result in significant head injuries, fractures of extremities and skin injuries. Imposing an age limit and implementing state licensing, safety programs and the compulsory use of safety gear are required to reduce mortality and morbidity from this form of recreational riding.

Language: en