Traffic Accidents in Children and Adolescents: A Complex Orthopedic and Medico-Legal Approach

Abstract

Traffic accidents involving children and adolescents present complex challenges from both the medico-legal and orthopedic standpoints. Despite the implementation of road traffic safety laws, pediatric road traffic injuries continue to be a significant contributor to mortality rates, physical harm, and hospitalization on a global scale. For children and young people, automobile accidents are considered to be the primary culprit of mortality in developed nations. Even in highly developed nations, trauma is a significant factor in infant mortality. Each age category, from childhood to young adulthood, has its fracture patterns, as their skeletons are considerably different from those of adults. The consequences of traffic accidents extend beyond the immediate physical trauma. The medico-legal aspects surrounding these incidents add another layer of complexity, as legal repercussions may affect the responsible adult or parent, particularly in cases involving child fatalities. To effectively address traffic accidents in children and adolescents, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This approach should involve not only medical professionals but also legal experts and policymakers. Collaboration between orthopedic specialists, medico-legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and relevant government bodies can facilitate the development and implementation of strategies aimed at prevention, education, the enforcement of traffic laws, and improved infrastructure. By addressing both the medical and legal aspects, it is possible to enhance road safety for children and adolescents, reducing the incidence of injuries and their associated long-term consequences. In this review, we aimed to summarize traffic accidents in children and adolescents from a complex orthopedic and medico-legal approach.

Current Epidemiological Trends of Pediatric Traffic Accidents at a Romanian Clinical Hospital

“…Gender distribution seen in our study (with males accounting for 78.5% of the population and females for 21.5%) aligns with findings from previous research [4,7], indicating a significant bias towards men.…”

“…In accordance with the European Road Safety Observatory [ 5 ], the overall total of road casualties among minors dropped by 47% between 2011 and 2020, the most significant reduction in mortality being recorded among those aged 5 to 9 years in high-income countries, because of increased parental supervision, safety education programs for children and improved road safety measures. This study, which analyzed statistics from the past decade, highlights the concerning disparity in child road safety between Romania and other European nations [ 6 , 7 ]. Despite a decline in morbidity and mortality associated with TA in wealthy nations, Romania has a rate of 27 cases per 1 million inhabitants under the age of 18, which is seven times higher compared to countries like Great Britain, Norway, and Sweden, thus remaining a significant contributor to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among individuals aged 12–18, making up more than 7% of DALYs.…”

Positive Outcomes of Physiotherapy Intervention in a Wedge Compression Fracture of the L1 Vertebra: A Case Report

“…RTAs are a major and growing global factor in hospitalization, bodily harm, and fatality rates [11]. Globally, the most common aetiology for spinal cord injury remains RTA, followed by falls [12]. VCFs are linked to significant morbidity, such as elevated mortality, diminished lung capacity, and a decreased standard of life.…”

Assessment of the Clinical and Nosological Characteristics of Traffic Injuries in Children as a Medical and Sanitary Consequence of a Man Made Emergency Situation

“…Injuries to children receive considerable attention worldwide [1,[3][4][5]. Road traffi c injuries are the leading cause of death and disability not only among adults, but also among children [1,3,4,[6][7][8][9][10]. Taking into account the current Ukrainian legislation, road traffi c accidents are considered an emergency situation in Ukraine (clause 1.6 of article 2 of the Code of Civil Protection of Ukraine [11]).…”

“…In diff erent countries of the world, the infant mortality rate ranges from 3.5 % (Sweden) to 19.1 % (Romania) [6,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18], in Ukraine, according to our data, the mortality rate is 12.79 % [2].…”