Personal watercraft injuries: 62 patients admitted to the San Diego County trauma services.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the types and patterns of injuries seen in personal watercraft (PWC) accidents.


METHODS
A retrospective review of medical records and imaging studies.


METHODS
Level 1 and 2 trauma centers in San Diego County, California.


METHODS
Trauma patients treated for PWC-related injuries between 1984 and 1997.


METHODS
Evaluation of injury patterns via chart review and imaging studies.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
A total of 62 patients were identified. The average age was 23 years (range 2-59 years). There were 41 males and 21 females. A total of 35 injuries (56%) involved another PWC. Of patients, 24 had loss of consciousness, with 8 closed head injuries. There were 17 chest injuries, with 10 pneumothoraces, and 16 lower extremity fractures (9 femur, 3 hip, 3 tibia-fibula, and 1 patella).


CONCLUSIONS
Injuries related to PWC have increased dramatically over the past several years, becoming one of the leading causes of recreational water-sport injuries. This study supports a high level of awareness for significant blunt trauma to the chest and lower extremities in patients involved in PWC accidents.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014867:Water
D014867:Water