Citation

Kennedy RD, Potter DD, Osborn JB, Zietlow S, Zarroug AE, Moir CR, Ishitani MB, McIntosh A. BMJ Open 2012; 2(6): 00184.

Affiliation

Division of Pediatric Surgery, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001848

PMID

23166134

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To review the need for operative intervention and critical care services for motocross truncal injuries in children. DESIGN COHORT: Retrospective review of patients identified via the hospital trauma registry. SETTING: Our Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center serves five motocross tracks. These patients require frequent medical care for injuries. PARTICIPANTS: All patients ≤17 years of age with truncal injuries sustained during motocross activities, between 2000 and 2011, were identified through the trauma registry. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Operative intervention, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay, morbidity and demographics were reviewed. RESULTS: Motocross injured 162 children. Thirty (18.5%) were thoracic or abdominal injuries. Operative intervention was required in eight (27%) patients. Mean injury severity score (ISS) was 11.8. ICU admission was required in 50% and average hospital length of stay was 4.1 days. The most common injuries include pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, spleen and liver lacerations. 13% of subjects suffered truncal injury from motocross on more than one occasion. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric motocross-related truncal injuries are significant. Surgical intervention is required in 27% of patients. The lower ISS incurred from motocross combined with high surgical and ICU admission rates suggests focal high-impact injuries to the chest and abdomen. Despite significant injury, 13% of motocross patients suffer recurrent injuries. Parents and children need injury prevention education.

Language: en