Imaging evaluation of children after falls from a height: review of 45 cases.

Falls From Heights: Windows, Roofs, and Balconies

“…5,7,8,10 -16 The nature of the injuries to children when they fall from heights has been studied extensively. 11,[13][14][15][16][17] Data from the CPSC on the approximately 4700 children who were examined in emergency departments because of falls from windows during 1993 indicate that 90% fall from the first and second stories and that 45% had injuries defined by the CPSC as "serious," such as fractures, internal injuries, concussions, intracranial hematomas, and intracranial hemorrhages. Of those injured, 28% were admitted to the hospital compared with 4% for all consumer product-related injuries reported to the CPSC during 1993.…”

“…Fractures are the most common of the serious injuries and the radius, ulna, and femur are the most frequent sites. 11,16,17 Rib, spine, pelvis, and calcaneus fractures are much less common among children than among adults. Children tend to use their arms to protect their heads, and they have relatively flexible bones.…”

“…Children tend to use their arms to protect their heads, and they have relatively flexible bones. 11,15,17 Multiple fractures are common, especially those resulting from falls from greater heights. Craniocerebral trauma is frequent, particularly in fatal falls.…”

“…Craniocerebral trauma is frequent, particularly in fatal falls. 15,17 Abdominal and chest injuries are relatively uncommon in falls from 1 or 2 stories, but they are more frequent in falls from greater heights and in fatal falls. 5,10,15,17 In general, the greater the height from which the child falls, the more severe the injury.…”

“…15,17 Abdominal and chest injuries are relatively uncommon in falls from 1 or 2 stories, but they are more frequent in falls from greater heights and in fatal falls. 5,10,15,17 In general, the greater the height from which the child falls, the more severe the injury. However, the nature of the surface onto which the child falls (concrete and trash are most common; softer surfaces improve outcome 13,14,18 ) and the degree to which the fall is broken on the way down modify the pattern and sever- ity of injuries.…”