National Hospitalization Impact of Pediatric All-Terrain Vehicle Injuries

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Objective. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) injuries among children represent a significant and growing problem. Although state-level analyses have characterized some aspects of pediatric ATV-related injuries, little information on the national impact on hospitalization is available. This study was designed to characterize more fully the patterns of injury, hospital length of stay, and hospital charges associated with ATV-related injuries, with a nationally representative sample.Methods. Analyses were based on the 1997 and 2000 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database (KID). The KID is the only national, all-payer database of hospital discharges for children. KID data were weighted to represent all discharges from general hospitals in the United States. Discharges with external cause-of-injury codes consistent with off-road ATV-related injuries were selected, and the affected population was described. Nationally representative rates of ATVrelated injuries were calculated, and changes between 1997 and 2000 were documented.Results. An estimated 5292 children were hospitalized because of ATV-related injuries during the 2-year period, and hospitalizations increased 79.1% between 1997 and 2000. Rates of ATV-related hospitalization were highest among adolescent white male subjects, consistent with previous studies. Most patients had hospital lengths of stay of <4 days (68%), but 10% had stays of >8 days. Injury severity varied considerably, with more than one third of patients sustaining moderate to severe injuries. Approximately 1% of hospitalizations resulted in in-hospital deaths. Total hospital charges for this injury mechanism were $74 367 677 for the 2-year study period. Most of these charges were paid by private insurers.Conclusions. This study provides evidence supporting recent substantial increases in childhood ATV-related injuries. The hospitalization impact of ATV-related injuries among children is considerable. Our data support the need for ongoing creative attempts to identify effective strategies to decrease ATV injuries among children. P ediatric all-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related injuries represent a significant and growing problem. ATVs have been sold in the United States since 1972 and have experienced a popularity surge in recent years. 1 Accompanying this increase in popularity is concern regarding the associated risks for children who ride on or drive ATVs. Current discussions have centered on appropriate vehicle sizes for children and the potential for legislative and educational measures to decrease the ATV injury burden.ATVs are 3-or 4-wheeled machines designed with motorcycle-style handlebars, a high center of gravity, and large, low-pressure tires intended for off-road use. ATVs typically range in engine size from 50 cm 3 to Ͼ500 cm 3 of displacement and can weigh as much as 600 pounds. Nearly all ATVs are designed for 1 rider, because precise, quickly executed, weight-distribution adjustments must be performed to maintain balance and control of the vehicle in turns...

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