Faculty Collaboration Database

Single rope tree swing injuries among children. Pediatrics 1997 Apr;99(4):548-50

Date

04/01/1997

Pubmed ID

9093296

DOI

10.1542/peds.99.4.548

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0030900353 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   9 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the scope and severity of injuries sustained from falls from single rope tree swings among children.

METHODS: Twenty-six children formed the basis of this retrospective study. Patients were divided into three groups based on the estimated distance of their fall (one, two, or three stories). Data were analyzed with respect to mechanism of injury, age, gender, length of hospital stay, injury severity score, number and type of injuries, and mortality.

RESULTS: Eighteen patients fell from ropes, and 8 from vines (all onto packed dirt). Fourteen falls occurred from one story or less, 8 from two stories, and 4 from three stories. One death occurred from intracranial injury following a two-story fall. No difference in age, gender, injury severity score, or length of hospital stay with respect to the height of the fall was observed. Falls from lower heights resulted in equally severe injuries as falls from higher heights. Overall, head trauma was the most common injury (58%) followed by long bone fractures (42%), axial skeletal fractures (23%), and intra-abdominal visceral injuries (8%).

CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that recreational single rope tree swing injuries among children resulted in significant morbidity regardless of the height of the fall. This activity carries a substantial risk for serious injury. The mechanism of injury, clinical data, and the importance of medical awareness and patient education are emphasized.

Author List

Albanese CT, Gardner MJ, Adkins MA, Schall L, Lynch JM

Author

Laura Cassidy PhD Associate Dean, Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin

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

Abdominal Injuries
Accidental Falls
Adolescent
Athletic Injuries
Child
Craniocerebral Trauma
Female
Fractures, Bone
Humans
Injury Severity Score
Length of Stay
Male
Retrospective Studies