Population-based study of fall injuries in children and adolescents resulting in hospitalization or death.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence and characteristics of fall-related injuries to children and adolescents.


METHODS
Population-based study.


METHODS
All hospital discharges in Washington State for fall-related injuries in 1989 and 1990.


METHODS
Children and adolescents 19 years and younger.


RESULTS
Falls accounted for nearly one third of all trauma admissions, and fall patients tended to be younger than those with other injuries. Falls from one level to another accounted for 40% of the total. One fourth of all patients and 42% of preschoolers sustained head injury. The annual cost of these injuries in Washington State was $4.5 million.
Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104.
F P
FP
Rivara
B
B
Alexander
B
B
Johnston
R
R
Soderberg
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology