Dangerous toys

Abstract

Background: Motorcycles are sources of significant injury for children. There is limited data describing New Zealand's experience. The study's aim was to quantify the burden of motorcycle trauma presenting to Starship Children's Hospital by assessing the annual admission rates, severity and pattern of injuries, and patient mortality, and to compare injury patterns of those riding all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and two-wheeled motorbikes (MB).

Methods: Retrospective chart review of all motorcycle trauma admissions to Starship Children's Hospital between November 1999 and December 2008. Patients were identified using the Starship Trauma Registry.

Results: One hundred forty-six admissions (123 MBs, 23 ATVs). Admissions have increased threefold in 9 years. Mean age was 10.5 years (range 2-14 years). ATV riders were significantly younger than MB riders (median 9 and 12 years, P = 0.001). Eighty-five per cent of patients were male and New Zealand European. There were two deaths in the study. Median length of stay was 2 days (1-80 days); 7.4% required intensive care admission. The median injury severity score (ISS) was 4 (1-35). Twenty-six per cent of ATV riders had an ISS >12, and 8.9% of MB riders had and ISS >12, P = 0.03. Eighty-five per cent of patients with an ISS >12 were under 12 years. Sixty per cent of patients required an operative procedure. No difference in pattern of injuries between in ATVs and motorbikes.

Conclusions: Motorcycle trauma admissions are increasing. ATV riders are more severely injured and younger than MB riders. Children <12 years are more likely to be severely injured in comparison to those >12 years.