Researchers, reviewing data from the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study, have found that 53% of children injured by lawn mowers require an amputation! Researchers reviewed data from the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study on the 199 children, ages 0 to 17 (mean age 8), admitted to a pediatric or adult trauma center between 2002 and 2013 with lawnmower injury.
53% Amputation Rate in Kids…Because of Lawn Mowers!
2 min read Premium comments
Secondary
Among the findings noted in the March 1, 2016 news release, “Boys accounted for 81% of the injuries; 55% of the injuries involved a riding mower; the most common injury site was the lower extremity, accounting for 65% of injuries; 106 of the children required an amputation. Common circumstances where injuries occurred included: children running behind a mower; slipping under the mower while riding as a passenger; colliding with mower blades when machines were steered in reverse; and being struck by a mower that rolled over due to an uneven and/or wet surface. Often, injuries occurred when adults did not realize children were near the mower; 91% of injuries occurred between April and September.”
“In addition, the study found that despite ongoing and increased efforts to educate parents and children about the dangers of lawn mowers, the number of reported injuries requiring trauma center treatment remained steady: an average of 16 per year in Pennsylvania.”
“While AAOS [American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons], the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], and other child and health organizations offer safety tips and precautions to avoid lawn mower injuries, the study found that many parents and children are not aware of, or not following them.”
“We have to find a way to stop kids from being around mowers, ” said lead study author Douglas Armstrong, M.D., director of pediatric orthopedic surgery at Penn State Hershey Pediatric Bone and Joint Institute. “Many parents don’t realize that the blade is such a forceful, blunt instrument—even if it is hidden under the mower.”
Dr. Armstrong told OTW, “The best way to keep them safe is to keep kids inside while the lawnmower is running. Minimum age for operation: age 12 years for a push mower, and 16 years for a ride-on lawnmower are guidelines approved by POSNA [Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America] and AAP.”
React:
Discussion
This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
Join the conversation
Orthopedic professionals are discussing this. Sign in and upgrade to read every comment and add your voice.