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This study demonstrates that there are anticipated variable effects on basic physiologic function for body-casted children based on the method of restraint. Restraint modalities which place the child forward facing with the face in proximity to the anterosuperior cast overlying the chest should be avoided.

patients were admitted to our hospital for management of propeller related injuries. These injuries ranged in severity from superficial lacerations that did not require closure to severe, devastating injuries with limb loss (Table 1). No patients died of propeller injuries after reaching the hospital during the period of this study. Five of the injuries occurred at very low speed (estimated less than 5 mph) including one patient with two amputations. Five occurred at speeds that were estimated to be greater than 10 mph. Three records did not provide enough information to estimate boat speeds. Eleven injuries occurred in fresh water, one in salt water, and one occurred while on land. Fall from a boat prior to propeller strike occurred in seven patients. Four were in the water from skiing or other activities when struck. The sequence of injury could not be determined for one patient (#9), and one propeller injury occurred while on land. Motorboat Propeller IntroductionOutboard motorboat propeller strikes can cause devastating injury, infection, and death. Approximately 10%-15% of propeller injuries are fatal [1,2]. Motorboat propeller injuries present management problems that may be unfamiliar to trauma surgeons because of the mechanism of injury and bacterial contamination from underwater impact. Severity of injury and complex contamination may not be apparent on initial inspection. It has been noted that these injuries are underreported even though laws are in place requiring all boaters to report boating accidents and injuries to local and national authorities [3]. This paper provides a review of all propeller injuries admitted to Orlando Regional Medical Center during a 6 year period. The mechanical aspects of propeller injuries are presented along with a literature review and recommendations for initial evaluation and management. Methods and MaterialsWith approval from our Institutional Review Board and assistance from the health information management office and coding department at Orlando Health Systems all hospitalized patients with ICD-9 and e-codes pertaining to boating injuries were identified between October 2003 and August 2009. A total of 267 patient encounters were identified in this time period. Further review of those 267 charts identified 13 patients with propeller related injuries. Demographic information, injury and treatment data, complications and outcomes were analyzed. AbstractBackground: Motorboat propeller strikes can cause devastating injury due to injury mechanics and complex contamination. The frequency of these injuries has been under-reported. This paper provides a review of propeller injuries admitted to our hospital over a six-year period. Discussion includes injury mechanics, initial management, literature review, accident statistics, and possible prevention measures.