Faculty Collaboration Database

Motorboat propeller injuries in Wisconsin: enumeration and prevention. J Trauma 1994 Aug;37(2):187-90

Date

08/01/1994

Pubmed ID

8064913

DOI

10.1097/00005373-199408000-00005

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0028070124 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   15 Citations

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the nature and extent of motorboat propeller injuries in Wisconsin.

DESIGN: Retrospective study of deaths and injuries from outboard motor propellers reported to the Wisconsin Division of Health, Vital Statistics, and reported by a statewide retrospective survey of emergency departments.

RESULTS: For the study period 1987 through 1989, three fatalities were found in Vital Statistics and Emergency Department records and 14 nonfatal injuries reported by respondents to the Wisconsin emergency department survey. Thirty-six percent (5 of 14) of the nonfatal injuries occurred in water skiers. Injuries involved the lower extremities in 10 of 14 nonfatal cases (71%), frequently in association with other anatomic areas. At least three cases involved very severe injuries, with mean acute care medical charges of more than $100,000 per case.

CONCLUSIONS: Where boating is common, fatal and severe injuries from propellers occur with regularity. These injuries are often severe, requiring complicated and expensive treatment. The authors urge improved documentation of the incidence of propeller injuries, and an active exploration of prevention strategies including fitting motorboat propellers with guards.

Author List

Hargarten SW, Karlson T, Vernick JS, Aprahamian C

Author

Stephen W. Hargarten MD, MPH Professor in the Emergency Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Accident Prevention
Accidents
Adolescent
Adult
Fractures, Open
Humans
Male
Public Policy
Ships
Soft Tissue Injuries
Wounds, Penetrating