Unsafe at any age: a retrospective review of all-terrain vehicle injuries in two level I trauma centers from 1995 to 2003.
BACKGROUND
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are popular recreational and utility vehicles. In 1984, Cogbill published an article regarding three-wheelers. These are no longer manufactured, but the injury and death rate with four-wheeled ATVs is high and disproportionately affects young riders.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective review at two Level I trauma centers from January 1994 to April 2003. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS V8.2 program. Values of p < 0.05 were significant.


RESULTS
Two hundred eight patients were identified. There were no differences identified in demographics, mechanism, types of injury, Injury Severity Score (ISS), or Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Seventy-five percent were male and 84% were white. The mean age was 23 +/- 13 years. The average ISS was 12.3 +/- 9 and the mean GCS score was 13.1 +/- 3.7. Injury mechanisms were loss of stability (33%), separation of rider from ATV (32%), and ATV versus stationary object (27%). ISS for ages 12 to 15 years was significantly higher than for other ages (14.5 vs. 11.5, p = 0.04, Wilcoxon rank sum test) and included more major head injuries (40.4% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.09, Wilcoxon rank sum test). They experienced fewer spinal fractures (3.9% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.03) and pelvic injuries (0% vs. 9%, p = 0.02, Wilcoxon rank sum test). The GCS score in this group was lower (12.3 vs. 13.4, p = 0.03, Wilcoxon rank sum test).


CONCLUSIONS
Adolescent ATV riders have more severe injuries and more head injuries than other age groups. Prevention efforts should target this group.
Smith
Lou M
LM
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA. lsmith3@lsuhsc.edu
Pittman
Michelle A
MA
Marr
Alan B
AB
Swan
Kevin
K
Singh
Shivani
S
Akin
Shelley J
SJ
Watson
Diana K
DK
Caldito
Gloria
G
Vidal
Rosa
R
Wise
William R
WR
Moore
Frederick A
FA
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D015541:Off-Road Motor Vehicles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control