Imaging findings in 512 children following all-terrain vehicle injuries

Abstract

Head and extremity injuries are the two most common injuries in children suffering ATV injuries and are associated with long-term disability. ATV use by children is dangerous and is a significant threat to child safety.

Pediatric All-Terrain Vehicle Trauma

“…In fact, head and extremity injuries are the 2 most common injuries in pediatric patients with ATV-related injuries; many of those injuries are associated with long-term disability. 12 Only 21 states mandate helmet use for ATV riders. However, compliance with such laws is low.…”

An Update on the Epidemiology of Pediatric Fractures

“…127 In a series of 73 children presenting to a pediatric trauma center after an ATV accident, nearly half of the patients had extremity fractures, 8 of which were open fractures. 115 At a Canadian tertiary-care pediatric facility, ATV-related fractures and/or dislocations were 1.5 times more common than bicycle-related fractures. 115 At a Canadian tertiary-care pediatric facility, ATV-related fractures and/or dislocations were 1.5 times more common than bicycle-related fractures.…”

Spectrum of all-terrain vehicle injuries in adults: A case series and review of the literature

“…9 Of long bone injuries, femoral fractures are the most frequently reported followed hip dislocations, tibial-fibular fractures and partial foot amputations. 15 Upper limb fractures are less common. 18 Although rarely reported, 9 vertebral fractures (as illustrated by Case 1 in the present series) cause significant morbidity and in the case of cervical fractures they are often incompatible with life.…”

“…5,15 It has been reported that loss of consciousness occurs in over half of ATV related injuries. 7 Almost one third of head injuries involved skull fractures and CT imaging demonstrated significant intracranial haemorrhage in one fifth of these head injury patients.…”

“…5,15 Pulmonary collapse or contusion, hepatic trauma and splenic disruption contribute significantly to ATV morbidity. 7,15 While head injuries are frequently managed conservatively, disruption of thoracic and abdominal organs are more likely to require operative intervention in the emergency setting and frequently necessitate the transfer of patients to Level 1 trauma centres.…”