NEUROLOGIC INJURIES ASSOCIATED WITH ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION

Objective: To present data and case studies illustrating the danger, e specially in the pediatric population, of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) us e, and to provide recommendations for pediatricians on how to educate parents concerning ATVs,Design: Retrospective review of 33 patients wi th neurologic injuries sustained in ATV accidents presenting to one in stitution over a 40-month period, Setting: Emergency department and ne urosurgery service at Arkansas Children's Hospital and two other hospi tals that make up the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Pat ients: All patients (n = 33) who presented between January 1993 and Ap ril 1996 at the emergency departments with neurologic injuries sustain ed in accidents involving either a three-or four-wheel ATV requiring h ospitalization. Interventions: Depending on the nature of the injury, various treatments, as described herein, Main outcome measures: Demogr aphic measures, the mechanisms of injury, the types of injuries; the c urrent data available regarding the number of injuries nationwide; and the precautionary measures parents should be advised to take. Results : Ages ranged from four to 68 years (mean, 18; median, 14), 21 of the patients were < 16 years old, The predominant age range was 12 to 15 y ears; most common mechanisms of injury were being thrown to the ground , striking a tree, and flipping backward, Most injuries were cranial ( 21) or spinal (11), Nationwide, the proportionate number of injuries a re decreasing, but the consequences remain severe, Using a helmet and restricting the use of these vehicles will reduce the number and magni tude of injuries, Conclusions: Although perceived as recreational toys , ATVs can be extremely unsafe, especially for children and adolescent s; pediatricians should educate parents and patients on the dangers of riding these vehicles.