Authors
- Mahzad Javid, MD
- Gholamhossain Shahcheraghi, MD, FRCS (C)
- Farivar A Lahiji, MD
- Aziz Ahmadi, MD
- Afshin Farhadi, MD
- Gholam Ali Akasheh, MD
Abstract
Background: To find the patterns and common mechanisms of motor-vehicle related pediatric trauma in a metropolitan city (Tehran-Iran), to guide the health planners of the city in proper planning and resource application and distribution.Methods: A pilot study was started in three major pediatric-trauma referral centers in Tehran by the Iranian Orthopaedic Association. All the cases below age 14 who visited the emergency department of those three hospitals, with body trauma resulting from a vehicle-related accident were studied. Cases were collected on a 24-hours basis in one month of each four seasons of the last year. The data collection was done by contracted physicians with the use of a detailed questionnaire.Results: From a total of 318 children that visited the emergency departments because of motor–vehicle related accident, 287 patients had trauma to various parts of the body (215 male 72 females), 151 cases had only musculoskeletal trauma and 31 others had sustained no significant injury of any kind. Multiple trauma was seen in 33.6% of the cases.52.8% of accidents happened in spring & summer, 21/7% in autumn, and 25/5% in winter season. The place of accidents were usually on the streets (70%), followed by small allies (17/5%), then major roads (12/5%). 65% of the accidents had happened at night and 35% during the day. The injuries were from motorcycles hitting pedestrians in 33.7% and, car–pedestrian accidents in 31.9%. The musculoskeletal injuries included fracture of tibia and fibula (62 cases), femoral fracture (25 cases), forearm (18 cases) and humerus (11 cases) in order of frequency. 24% of patients were transferred by ambulance and the rest by their family members or by- standing people. Conclusions: Children become disabled far too frequently in the city, from lack of proper training, proper enforcement of traffic rules by the children and the drivers. An appropriate measure of safety in the crowded metropolitan city of Tehran is essential, and this report can be a guide for the other major cities of the third world.
Keywords
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