@article{ref1,
title="A new source of mutilating hand injuries: the side-by-side utility-terrain vehicle",
journal="Plastic and reconstructive surgery",
year="2023",
author="Mendenhall, Shaun D. and Graham, Emily M. and Memmott, Stanley and Frederiksen, Hunter and Rioux-Forker, Dana and Wang, Angela A. and Hutchinson, Douglas T.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="PURPOSE: Rates of mutilating hand injuries are increasing from accidents caused by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the recently popularized side-by-side utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs). Increasing surgeon familiarity with upper extremity (UE) injury patterns, severity, and outcomes following ATV and UTV accidents may improve patient care and advocacy. <br><br>METHODS: Retrospective comparisons of UE injury patterns, severity, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admission lengths, and number of surgeries were made between ATVs and UTVs. <br><br>FINDINGS were analyzed with Fisher's exact tests, MANOVA, ANOVAs with post hoc analyses, and multiple linear regressions. <br><br>RESULTS: A total of 154 cases were identified for inclusion (ATV=87; UTV=67). Patient ages ranged from 4-89 years. The UTV group contained significantly more hand and finger injuries, and more of the fractures were open (p=0.005, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). Riders of UTVs had nearly three times as many mutilating hand injuries and a near ninefold increase in amputations compared to ATV riders (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). On average, the UTV group spent 2.5 additional days in the hospital, 0.91 additional days in an ICU, and had 1.3 additional surgeries (p=0.001, p=0.007, p<0.001, respectively). Vehicle type was the only variable significantly correlated with days in the hospital, ICU, and number of UE surgeries (p=0.002, p=0.008, p<0.001, respectively). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Hand surgeons are in a unique position to serve as forerunners for increasing public awareness of off-road vehicle risks and promoting rider safety. Collaborating with manufacturers, emergency care providers, and directing teaching initiatives may improve patient outcomes.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0032-1052",
doi="10.1097/PRS.0000000000010453",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000010453"
}