Age variability in pediatric injuries from falls

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to examine the nature and circumstances surrounding pediatric fall-related injuries for specific age groups and their implications for age-appropriate injury prevention efforts.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of data (October 2006 to April 2009) from the trauma registry of a level 1 pediatric trauma center. Inclusion criteria are patients admitted because of fall-related injury younger than 15 years (n = 675). Injury mechanism specifics were obtained from medical records.ResultsFalls were the leading cause of admissions and accounted for 37% of all cases during this period. Most pediatric fall-related injuries (73%) occurred between 1 and 9 years of age. Although infants accounted for only 8% of fall injuries, a greater proportion of these children were more severely injured. The mean Injury Severity Score for infants was significantly greater than the overall average (P < .001). Causes of fall injuries vary by age and have been discussed.ConclusionsThe high incidence of pediatric fall injuries warrants dedicated injury prevention education. Injury prevention efforts need to be age appropriate in terms of focus, target audience, and setting. Recommendations for injury prevention are discussed.