Citation

Bilston LE, Brown J. Proc. Australas. Road Safety Res. Policing Educ. Conf. 2008; 12.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, copyright holder varies, Publisher Monash University)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study aimed to characterise the types and numbers of injuries to the spinal region among children (0-16 years) resulting from traffic incidents. This included motor vehicle occupants, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. A retrospective case review methodology was used. All children 16 years of age and under, treated at the major children's hospitals in Sydney after sustaining any spinal trauma from a traffic related cause over a five year period, were included. Injury type, severity, and mechanisms were analysed and the changes with age investigated. Data was collected for 101 children. Descriptive analytical techniques were used. This study demonstrates that in order to reduce traffic-related paediatric spinal injury, addressing protection in child occupants should be the highest priority. There is a particular need for further examination of injury mechanisms in children too big for booster seats. Pedestrians would be the next priority, specifically children less than 5 years. Motorbike crashes accounted for more serious spinal injuries than pedal cycle incidents. Furthermore, the findings suggest that different injury prevention strategies may be required for younger and older children and crash factor studies in this area are recommended. In particular there may be a need to examine the relationship between motor coordination development and motorcycle handling in off-road situations.