Wheelchair related injuries treated in US emergency departments.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the trend of wheelchair related injuries over time, and describe the demographics and characteristics of wheelchair users' injuries by age group.


METHODS
Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) were analyzed.


RESULTS
In 2003, more than 100,000 wheelchair related injuries were treated in emergency departments in the US, double the number reported in 1991. Tips and falls accounted for 65-80% of injuries across all age groups of wheelchair users. The majority of children's injuries occurred at locations outside of homes and institutions/hospitals in environments with stairs, ramps, and curbs (57.3%). In contrast, injuries among adult users were more likely to occur in homes, hospitals, and institutions (45-90%).


CONCLUSIONS
Wheelchair related injuries may have increased in the US during the past decade. Prevention efforts should address the interacting complex factors that influence risk of injury while using a wheelchair.
Xiang
H
H
Center for Injury Research and Policy, Columbus Children's Research Institute, Columbus Children's Hospital, OH 43205, USA. xiangh@pediatrics.ohio-state.edu
Chany
A-M
AM
Smith
G A
GA
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014910:Wheelchairs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*