T Ruffing1, S Danko2, T Danko2, T Henzler3, H Winkler2, M Muhm2. 1. Klinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie 1, Westpfalz-Klinikum GmbH, Hellmut-Hartert-Str. 1, 67655, Kaiserslautern, Deutschland. thomas@ruffing.eu. 2. Klinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie 1, Westpfalz-Klinikum GmbH, Hellmut-Hartert-Str. 1, 67655, Kaiserslautern, Deutschland. 3. Institut für Klinische Radiologie und Nuklearmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A differentiated knowledge of trauma in children and adolescents is essential for the treatment of injured minors. The aim of this study was to present the focus of treatment in trauma emergency services. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of 2 years all acutely injured children and adolescents (n = 4784) in the emergency service were analyzed prospectively. The data were analyzed according to sex, age, date of examination, indications for x-ray imaging, diagnosis and therapy. RESULTS: Seasonal differences in the treatment spectrum were detected. In total 34.4 % of the patients presented with bruises/contusions, 23 % wounds, 19.9 % fractures, 14.9 % sprains/strains/ligament ruptures, 4.1 % craniocerebral trauma, 1.5 % dislocations, 1.1 % muscle/tendon injuries and 0.9 % burns. Of the patients 60 % underwent an x-ray examination and 8.3 % were hospitalized. Different injuries were found in the different age groups. Most fractures (25.7 %) were found at the distal forearm and most osteosyntheses (22.5 %) were also carried out at this anatomical location. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the frequency and age dynamics is essential for competent treatment of injuries in children and adolescents. Analysis of the reality of the treatment in emergency services allows a much better evaluation of the requirements with respect to this clientele. The collected data can serve as a basis for the development of major capability foci, training concepts, treatment algorithms as well as prevention measures.
BACKGROUND: A differentiated knowledge of trauma in children and adolescents is essential for the treatment of injured minors. The aim of this study was to present the focus of treatment in trauma emergency services. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of 2 years all acutely injured children and adolescents (n = 4784) in the emergency service were analyzed prospectively. The data were analyzed according to sex, age, date of examination, indications for x-ray imaging, diagnosis and therapy. RESULTS: Seasonal differences in the treatment spectrum were detected. In total 34.4 % of the patients presented with bruises/contusions, 23 % wounds, 19.9 % fractures, 14.9 % sprains/strains/ligament ruptures, 4.1 % craniocerebral trauma, 1.5 % dislocations, 1.1 % muscle/tendon injuries and 0.9 % burns. Of the patients 60 % underwent an x-ray examination and 8.3 % were hospitalized. Different injuries were found in the different age groups. Most fractures (25.7 %) were found at the distal forearm and most osteosyntheses (22.5 %) were also carried out at this anatomical location. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the frequency and age dynamics is essential for competent treatment of injuries in children and adolescents. Analysis of the reality of the treatment in emergency services allows a much better evaluation of the requirements with respect to this clientele. The collected data can serve as a basis for the development of major capability foci, training concepts, treatment algorithms as well as prevention measures.
Authors: Steven L Bernstein; Dominik Aronsky; Reena Duseja; Stephen Epstein; Dan Handel; Ula Hwang; Melissa McCarthy; K John McConnell; Jesse M Pines; Niels Rathlev; Robert Schafermeyer; Frank Zwemer; Michael Schull; Brent R Asplin Journal: Acad Emerg Med Date: 2008-11-08 Impact factor: 3.451