Injuries associated with the use of riding mowers in the United States, 2002-2007

Incidence, Distribution, and Cost of Lawn-Mower Injuries in the United States, 2006-2013

“…The 2.4% rate of amputation procedure observed in this study was also similar to the 3%-5% found in previous studies 3,[5][6][7] The most common type of injury observed was laceration (46.7%), which was similar to the percentage of laceration injuries found in other studies (25%-40%). 3,6,7 Our study found a 21.5% incidence of amputation injury, however, and it is unclear why. These amputation injuries were possibly minor (eg, digital) injuries treated in the ED and discharged without an operation.…”

“…3,4,7 The most frequently injured body parts were the hands and fingers (14.7%-34.6%), the lower extremity (14.7%-18.9%), and the foot or toe (11.5%-17.7%). 4,5,7 Lawn-mower injuries are often severe and result in substantial preventable morbidity and cost to the health care system. A study of the Kids' Inpatient Database estimated $21.6 million in hospital charges for pediatric amputation injuries in 2003.…”

“…3,4,7 The most frequently injured body parts were the hands and fingers (14.7%-34.6%), the lower extremity (14.7%-18.9%), and the foot or toe (11.5%-17.7%). 4,5,7…”

Crush asphyxia and ride-on lawn mowers

“…1 To date, deaths from ride-on mowers have been associated with rollovers, run overs and falls, with run overs predominately involving children. 4,5 Crush asphyxia refers to a situation where respiratory effort is prevented by compression of the torso, resulting in characteristic pathological findings of marked swelling and congestion of the face with extensive petechial haemorrhages of the face neck and conjunctivae. There may be bleeding from the nose and ears, and intense congestion of the thyroid gland producing a black colour, with blood lakes on histology.…”

“…3,4 This is associated with the mowers’ more complex operation and larger blades and size. 5 The types of injuries that may result from ride-on mowers are often complicated and mutilating, including blade injuries to the feet and hands with amputations of fingers, toes and feet. 3,4 Rarely, projectile/missile injuries from any type of mower may occur if an object that has been struck by a rotating blade and launched into the air and impacts a victim.…”