Childhood motocross truncal injuries: high-velocity, focal force to the chest and abdomen

OBJECTIVES To review the need for operative intervention and critical care services for motocross truncal injuries in children. DESIGN COHORT: Retrospective review of patients identified via the hospital trauma registry. SETTING Our Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center serves five motocross tracks. These patients require frequent medical care for injuries. PARTICIPANTS All patients ≤17 years of age with truncal injuries sustained during motocross activities, between 2000 and 2011, were identified through the trauma registry. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Operative intervention, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay, morbidity and demographics were reviewed. RESULTS Motocross injured 162 children. Thirty (18.5%) were thoracic or abdominal injuries. Operative intervention was required in eight (27%) patients. Mean injury severity score (ISS) was 11.8. ICU admission was required in 50% and average hospital length of stay was 4.1 days. The most common injuries include pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, spleen and liver lacerations. 13% of subjects suffered truncal injury from motocross on more than one occasion. CONCLUSIONS Paediatric motocross-related truncal injuries are significant. Surgical intervention is required in 27% of patients. The lower ISS incurred from motocross combined with high surgical and ICU admission rates suggests focal high-impact injuries to the chest and abdomen. Despite significant injury, 13% of motocross patients suffer recurrent injuries. Parents and children need injury prevention education.