Citation

Dietz MJ, Lavender C, Emery SE, Clovis N, Shuler FD, Zuberi J. J. Orthop. Trauma 2012; 26(7): e83-7.

Affiliation

From the *Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV; the †Department of Orthopedics, Marshall University, Huntington, WV; and ‡Department of Surgery, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/BOT.0b013e318228b7ad

PMID

22337482

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:: All-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related trauma is increasing nationally. This study highlights the demographics, mechanisms, and associated orthopaedic injuries for ATV-related traumas that presented to our Level I trauma center over an 8-year period and addresses the effects of statewide legislation on injury occurrences. DESIGN:: Retrospective. SETTING:: Level I trauma center in West Virginia. PATIENTS:: Those presenting to a Level I trauma center with ATV-related injuries between January 2000 and June 2007. MAIN OUTCOMES:: We reviewed data available for demographics, substance abuse, helmet use, length of stay, discharge disposition, injury mechanism and severity, anatomic location of injuries, and orthopaedic injuries. RESULTS:: In 2000, 72 individuals presented with ATV-related injuries; this number rose significantly each year to 234 individuals in 2006. Of the 1234 patients over 8 years, 79% were male and 95% were white. The average age was 30 years (range, 1-87 years) with 22% of those injured being aged 16 years or younger. Only 27% of the riders were helmeted. There were 647 (52%) patients who sustained orthopaedic injuries (defined as fractures or dislocations). There was no significant decrease in injury occurrence after the implementation of statewide ATV-related legislation in 2004. CONCLUSIONS:: This trauma center is in a unique position to highlight a national problem. Over half (52%) of the patients had an orthopaedic injury defined as a fracture or dislocation. Before measures can be implemented to effect change, we must first be aware of the exact nature and spectrum of injuries associated with ATV use.

Language: en