Accidental farm injuries in children.
Eighty-seven children with 88 farm injuries presented to our emergency room in Rochester, Minn, from November 1974 to July 1985. Seventy-four accidents (84.1%) occurred in boys, and 14 (15.9%) in girls. Ages ranged from 1 to 16 years. Farm machines involved included corn augers in 37 accidents (42.0%); tractors, 22 (25.0%); power takeoffs, ten (11.4%); conveyor belts, five (5.7%); and miscellaneous, 14 (15.9%). Fractures and lacerations were the most common injuries, occurring in 55 (62.5%) and 30 (34.1%), respectively. Significant long-term disability occurred in 36 (40.9%). Eleven children required multiple reconstructive surgical procedures; two died. Preventive measures that can be employed by physicians, family members, educators, and legislators are discussed.
Swanson
J A
JA
Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Sachs
M I
MI
Dahlgren
K A
KA
Tinguely
S J
SJ
D000059:Accidents; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000383:Agriculture; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008910:Minnesota; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012424:Rural Population; D012621:Seasons; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*