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Hanna DN, Haddadin Z, Stafman L, Godfrey CM, Huang EY, Aiello B, Greeno AL, Unni P, Lovvorn HN. Sledding while towed behind motorized vehicles associates with more severe and lethal injuries ☆. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:644-648. [PMID: 35396085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our institution has recently experienced an increase in sledding-related injuries, particularly when towed behind motorized vehicles. The purpose of this study was to characterize injury severity and clinical outcomes between pediatric patients who sustain injuries owing to motorized sledding accidents to aid in injury prevention messaging. METHODS This retrospective study queried all patients who presented with a sledding-related injury to a single ACS-verified Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center located in the Southeastern United States between 01/2015 and 01/2022. Demographics, injury details, and clinical outcomes were compared between two groups: patients towed behind a motorized vehicle (MOTOR) and those who were not (GRAVITY). RESULTS Of the 67 patients included in our analysis, 15 (22%) were in the MOTOR group. Patients in the MOTOR group presented with significantly higher injury severity (ISS) and lower Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores. Additionally, patients in this MOTOR group more often received a blood transfusion and intubation, had longer intensive care and overall hospital lengths of stay, and incurred higher hospital costs. In a multivariate analysis, the use of a motorized vehicle to sled was independently associated with increased ISS (OR: 9.7, 95% CI 1.9-17.5; p = 0.02). Two deaths occurred after sledding while being towed behind a motorized vehicle. CONCLUSION Children experiencing sledding accidents while being towed by motorized vehicles sustain significantly more severe injuries and require more intensive treatments that together lead to increased hospital costs. These findings provide the framework for community educational initiatives and injury prevention measures to mitigate risk among children engaged in sledding. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV retrospective cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N Hanna
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Doctor's Office Tower, 2220 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
| | - Zaid Haddadin
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Doctor's Office Tower, 2220 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Laura Stafman
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Doctor's Office Tower, 2220 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Caroline M Godfrey
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Doctor's Office Tower, 2220 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Eunice Y Huang
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Doctor's Office Tower, 2220 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Brittney Aiello
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Doctor's Office Tower, 2220 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Amber L Greeno
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Doctor's Office Tower, 2220 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Purnima Unni
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Doctor's Office Tower, 2220 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Harold N Lovvorn
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Doctor's Office Tower, 2220 Children's Way, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
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