A Retrospective Evaluation of Pediatric Major Trauma Related to Sport and Recreational Activities in Nova Scotia

Abstract

Objectives: A small proportion of pediatric sport-and recreation-related injuries are serious enough to be considered "major trauma." However, the immediate and long-term consequences in cases of pediatric major trauma are significant and potentially life-threatening. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence and outcomes of pediatric major traumas related to sport and recreational activities in Nova Scotia. Methods: This study was a retrospective case series. Data on major pediatric traumas related to sport and recreational activities on a provincial scope were extracted from the Nova Scotia Trauma Program Registry between 2000 and 2013. We evaluated frequency, type, severity, and outcomes of major traumas. Outcomes assessed included length of hospital stay, admission to a special care unit (SCU), and mortality. Results: Overall, 107 children aged three to 18 years sustained a major trauma (mean age 12.5 [SD 3.8]; 84% male). Most injuries were blunt traumas (97%). The greatest proportion were from cycling (59, 53%), followed by hockey (8, 7%), skateboarding (7, 7%) and skiing (7, 7%). The Nova Scotia Pediatric Trauma Team was activated in 27% of cases. Mean in-hospital length of stay was five days (SD 5.6), and nearly half (49%) of patients required SCU admission. Severe traumatic brain injury occurred in 52% of cases, and mortality in five cases. Conclusions: Over a 13-year period, the highest incidence of pediatric major trauma related to sport and recreational activities was from cycling, followed by hockey. Severe traumatic brain injury occurred in over half of pediatric major trauma patients. RÉSUMÉObjectif: Les blessures liées au sport et aux activités récréatives chez les enfants sont, dans une faible proportion, suffisamment sérieuses pour être considérées comme des « traumas graves ». Toutefois, les conséquences immédiates et lointaines de ces traumas graves chez les enfants sont importantes et potentiellement mortelles. L'étude visait à faire état de la fréquence des traumas graves liés au sport et aux activités récréatives ainsi que des résultats cliniques chez les enfants en Nouvelle-Écosse. Méthode: L'étude consistait en une série rétrospective de cas. Les données sur les traumas graves liés au sport et aux activités récréatives chez les enfants, à l'échelle provinciale, ont été tirées du Nova Scotia Trauma Program Registry, pour la période de 2000 à 2013. Ont été évalués la fréquence des traumas graves, de même que le type, la gravité et les résultats cliniques. Les résultats évalués comprenaient la durée du séjour à l'hôpital, l'admission dans un service de soins spécialisés (SSS) et la mortalité. Résultats: Dans l'ensemble, 107 enfants, âgés de 3 à 18 ans, ont subi un trauma grave (âge moyen: 12,5 [écart type {σ}: 3,8] ans; garçons: 84 %). Dans la plupart des cas, il s'agissait de traumatisme contondant (97 %). Les accidents étaient attribuables, en ordre décroissant, au cyclisme (59; 53 %), au hockey (8; 7 %), à la planche à roulettes (7; 7 %) et au ski (7; 7 %). L'équip...

Characteristics and outcomes of severe sports-related injury in children and adults: a nationwide cohort study in Japan

“…Although the severity of most sports-related injuries is minor to moderate, severe trauma can occur and cause significant morbidity and mortality [2]. Pediatric major trauma related to sports is reported to be relatively infrequent but increasing as participation in sports for children and youths becomes popular [3][4][5]. A report from eastern Canada showed that severe traumatic brain injury occurred 52 % of major trauma related to sports and recreational activities in children [3].…”

“…Pediatric major trauma related to sports is reported to be relatively infrequent but increasing as participation in sports for children and youths becomes popular [3][4][5]. A report from eastern Canada showed that severe traumatic brain injury occurred 52 % of major trauma related to sports and recreational activities in children [3]. A report of pediatric sports-related major trauma from southern Australia showed the most commonly injured body region was the thorax, followed by the head and spine [6].…”

Morbidity after traumatic spinal injury in pediatric and adolescent sports-related trauma

“…5,13,33,35 Teenage and young adult males are at highest risk for TSIs, especially in the setting of recreational and contact sports. 16,18,33,35 The recent finding of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in American football players has brought increased attention and harm-reduction strategies to traumatic brain injury (TBI) in contact sports. 30,40 However, the literature on sports-related TSI remains sparse in comparison to that on TBI.…”