Citation

Adelson SL, Chounthirath T, Hodges NL, Collins CL, Smith GA. Clin. Pediatr. 2018; 57(5): 584-592.

Affiliation

Child Injury Prevention Alliance, Columbus, OH, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0009922817732144

PMID

28937299

Abstract

This study analyzed pediatric playground-related injuries data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. An estimated 5 025 440 children <18 years were treated in US emergency departments for playground-related injuries during 1990-2012, averaging 218 497 children annually. The average patient age was 6.5 years. The overall annual injury rate declined during 1990-2007 ( P <.001) and then increased during 2007-2012 ( P <.001). The climbing equipment-related injury rate remained constant during 1990-2009 and then increased during 2007-2012 ( P =.014). The concussion/closed head injury rate increased during 1990-2008 ( P <.002) with the rate almost doubling from 2008-2012 ( P <.001). Falls accounted for 76.7% of all injuries and 87.7% of injuries to the upper extremities. Injuries resulted in hospitalization for 4.3% of patients. Despite current playground safety standards and guidelines, a large number of playground-related injuries continue to occur. Revised impact attenuation criteria for playground surfacing materials should be implemented and evaluated to more adequately prevent fall-related upper extremity fractures.

Language: en

Keywords

emergency department; fall; injury; pediatric; playground