Review Question - QID 214147

For a pediatric patient involved in an ATV collision, the most likely injury sustained of the answer choices above is a traumatic head injury such as a brain contusion.

Patients under the age of 16 years account for roughly one-quarter of ATV-related injuries. Younger children are at an increased risk of sustaining more severe injuries due to the mismatch in the size of the child and weight of the vehicle. This is further exacerbated by poor helmet compliance in this same population. Helmets have been demonstrated to decrease the risk of severe and fatal injuries when riding an ATV or motorcycle.

McLean et al. investigated whether children and younger adolescents (<16 years old) are at a greater risk of serious injuries related to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use compared to older adolescents and adults. The authors reported that male drivers <16 years of age were more likely to present with a head injury. They recommended helmet use and for a minimum age limit in order to mitigate these ATV-related head injuries.

Shannon et al. investigated the type and severity of orthopaedic and other associated injuries sustained during snowmobile, ATV and motorized dirtbike accidents among a pediatric patient population. They reported that head trauma was the most commonly associated injury, with the highest rate in the ATV group who also had the highest rate of no helmet use. The authors concluded that injury prevention should focus on improved safety mechanisms, protective gear, safe areas for off-road vehicle use, and strict laws with minimum age requirements.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 2 and 3: An open both bone forearm fracture would be more likely than a closed both bone forearm fracture, however, these are both still less prevalent than a brain contusion.
Answer 4: A traumatic head injury would be more commonly found compared to an open comminuted femur fracture.
Answer 5: A traumatic head injury would be more commonly found compared to a pneumothorax.