%0 Journal Article
%T Ophthalmic injuries in children involved in all-terrain vehicle crashes
%J Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery
%D 2004
%A Edmonson, Brenda C.
%A Wilson, Matthew W.
%A Fleming, James C.
%A Haik, Barrett G.
%V 20
%N 2
%P 99-102
%X PURPOSE: To describe the spectrum of ophthalmic injuries in children involved in all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of a level 1 children's trauma center to identify cases with ICD-9 codes pertaining to crashes involving ATVs and cross-referenced for ophthalmic trauma. From these cases, we documented the nature of the crash, patient's age, ophthalmic injuries received, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: Twenty children, 5 to 16 years of age (mean, 11.1 years), involved in ATV crashes were admitted between June 1997 and April 2002. One was riding with an adult and 3 with other children; 16 were operating the vehicles alone at the time of their crashes. None was wearing a helmet, and all had head trauma. Nine patients had ophthalmic injuries, including lacerations of the eyelid (n = 5), orbital fractures (n = 9), and traumatic optic neuropathies (n = 2). The latter two had final visual acuities of count fingers and no light perception. The average length of hospitalization was 6.6 days. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic trauma is a frequent complication of ATV crashes involving children. Injuries may range from minor lacerations to complex orbital fractures; visual loss may be severe. We believe that the age of the vehicles' operators and their failure to wear protective helmets contribute to the severity of injuries.
%G 
%I Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
%@ 0740-9303
%U http://dx.doi.org/