Shruthi Srinivas1, Robert J McLoughlin2, Max D Hazeltine3, Jonathan Green2, Michael P Hirsh4, Muriel A Cleary4, Jeremy T Aidlen4. 1. University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA, USA 01655. 2. University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Surgery, 55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA, USA 01655. 3. University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Surgery, 55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA, USA 01655. Electronic address: Max.Hazeltine@umassmemorial.org. 4. University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, 55 Lake Ave N, Worcester, MA, USA 01655.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among pediatric patients. There were 13,436 injuries related to snow sports in those younger than 15 in 2015, with 4.8% requiring admission. These sports are high-risk given the potential for injury even when using protective equipment. We hypothesized that snow sport injury patterns would differ based on patient age. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of the 2009 and 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database was performed. Cases of injuries were identified and analyzed using ICD-9 codes. National estimates were obtained using case weighting. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess for confounders. RESULTS: Within 745 admissions, there was a statistically significant decrease in skull/facial fractures with increasing age and a statistically significant increase in abdominal injuries with increasing age. Children in early and middle childhood were at increased odds of being hospitalized with skull/facial fractures, while older children were more likely hospitalized with abdominal injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Within the pediatric snow sport population, younger children are more likely to experience head injuries, while older children are more likely to experience abdominal injuries. Further research is needed to determine the origin of this difference, and continued legislation on helmets is also necessary in reducing intracranial injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.
BACKGROUND: Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among pediatric patients. There were 13,436 injuries related to snow sports in those younger than 15 in 2015, with 4.8% requiring admission. These sports are high-risk given the potential for injury even when using protective equipment. We hypothesized that snow sport injury patterns would differ based on patient age. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of the 2009 and 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database was performed. Cases of injuries were identified and analyzed using ICD-9 codes. National estimates were obtained using case weighting. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess for confounders. RESULTS: Within 745 admissions, there was a statistically significant decrease in skull/facial fractures with increasing age and a statistically significant increase in abdominal injuries with increasing age. Children in early and middle childhood were at increased odds of being hospitalized with skull/facial fractures, while older children were more likely hospitalized with abdominal injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Within the pediatric snow sport population, younger children are more likely to experience head injuries, while older children are more likely to experience abdominal injuries. Further research is needed to determine the origin of this difference, and continued legislation on helmets is also necessary in reducing intracranial injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.