[Epidemiology of powdered glass-coated kite line injuries: victims admitted to a trauma hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the characteristics of victims of powdered glass-coated (manja) kite line injuries admitted to a trauma hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study of victims with powdered glass-coated kite line injuries between 2005 and 2009. Data were obtained retrospectively from medical records. Central tendency and comparison of ratios were used to characterize victims.


RESULTS
211 victims were admitted between 2005 and 2009, 94% of which males. The majority of cases occurred in June and July (37% e 41.7%, respectively). Mean age was 15 years, with no difference between men and women. For the group of victims as a whole, upper limbs were the most prevalent site of injury, although neck and face injuries were the main site of injury among motorcyclists and cyclists. Two deaths (0.95%) were identified, both in motorcyclists, due to injury to neck structures. Residences were concentrated in three administrative areas (East, Northeast and South-central).


CONCLUSIONS
Although the majority of injuries recorded were not severe, fatal injuries can occur, mainly among motorcyclists. Educational and preventive measures are needed to avoid potentially fatal injuries.
Hospital João XXIII, FHEMIG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. roberto.marini@terra.com.br
Roberto Marini
RM
Ladeira
Paulo Roberto Lima
PR
Carreiro
João Baptista de
JB
Rezende-Neto
Gabriel Correia
GC
Iannuzzi
André Alves
AA
Elias
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014193:Trauma Centers; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult