Citation

Beaudin M, Maugans T, St-Vil D, Falcone RA. J. Pediatr. Surg. 2013; 48(5): 1071-1076.

Affiliation

Division of Pediatric General Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Pediatric General Surgery, CHU Ste-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada. Electronic address: mariannebeaudin333@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2013.02.022

PMID

23701785

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to investigate the epidemiology and resulting injuries following falls sustained by infants seated in a variety of seating devices. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of a cohort of infants less than 12months old who presented to our institution from 1991 to 2010 after a fall from various seating devices was performed. RESULTS: Two hundred five infants were identified, including 146 patients who were admitted to our institution (1991-2010) and 59 patients who were seen and discharged from the ED (2008-2010). Mean age of admitted infants was younger (3.5 vs. 5.3months). Two patients (1%) required surgery for a depressed skull fracture. Overall, 18% had an intra-cranial hemorrhage. More patients requiring an admission secondary to their injuries fell from a table or counter (42% vs. 27%). CONCLUSION: Falls sustained by children seated in a variety of devices are frequent. Failure to restrain children in seating devices or improperly placing them on a table/counter is associated with more significant injuries. In order to minimize such injuries, it is important to educate caregivers of the risk in utilizing such seating devices.

Language: en