Citation

Xiang H, Chany AM, Smith GA. Inj. Prev. 2006; 12(1): 8-11.

Affiliation

Center for Injury Research and Policy, Columbus Children’s Research Institute, Columbus Children’s Hospital, OH, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/ip.2005.010033

PMID

16461412

PMCID

PMC2563507

Abstract

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.