Citation

Carroll JT, Chapman AJ, Davis AT, Rodriguez CH. Am. J. Surg. 2015; 211(3): 555-558.

Affiliation

GRMEP/MSU General Surgery Residency, 221 Michigan Street 200A, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Department of General Surgery, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Division of Trauma Surgery, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.amjsurg.2015.12.002

PMID

26800865

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Falls from tree stands are common during the hunting season. We examined the impact of this injury mechanism on a Level 1 trauma center in West Michigan.

METHODS: Retrospective cohort study examining tree-stand fall patients between 2001 and 2013.

RESULTS: A total of 193 patients were included. Less than 3% of patients were wearing a harness. Falls from greater than 20 feet were associated with a higher injury severity score (P =.018). The injury severity score and Glasgow coma scale of the normal weight and overweight (OW) groups were the same. Overall 91.3% of normal weight patients were discharged home vs 63.5% of OW patients (P =.009). Median rehab stay was 12 days (3 to 92), and median charge was $24,048 (2,398 to 134,752).

CONCLUSIONS: Tree-stand falls cause significant injury, especially from heights greater than 20 feet. OW patients more frequently require rehabilitation. The infrequent use of safety harnesses is alarming.

Language: en