@article{ref1,
title="Sledding injuries in the southeastern United States",
journal="Southern medical journal",
year="1999",
author="Major, C. P. and Guest, D. P. and Smith, L. A. and Barker, D. E. and Burns, R. P.",
volume="92",
number="2",
pages="193-196",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Heavy ice and snow accumulation combined with record low temperatures in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from February 2-6, 1996, contributed to many sledding injuries. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of emergency visits to seven area hospitals from February 2-6, 1996. We further reviewed sledding injury records. Sledding was defined as sliding on snow or ice using any device except skis. RESULTS: Of 2,134 emergency room visits, 241 patients had 310 sledding injuries. Ages of patients ranged from 3 to 53 years (mean, 18.9; median, 16). One hundred twenty-eight injuries were severe. These included extremity injuries (65), head injuries (28), chest injuries (10), intra-abdominal injuries (10), vertebral column fractures (11), and pelvic fractures (4). Thirty-six patients required inpatient hospitalization; 18 had surgery. The minimum healthcare costs associated with these injuries were estimated at $220,000. CONCLUSIONS: Major trauma potential is associated with sledding, especially where significant winter storms are uncommon. Level I trauma centers should seasonally incorporate sledding safety into community-wide injury prevention programs.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0038-4348",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}