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. 2018 May;57(5):584-592.
doi: 10.1177/0009922817732144. Epub 2017 Sep 22.

Pediatric Playground-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments in the United States

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Pediatric Playground-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments in the United States

Sarah L Adelson et al. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2018 May.

Abstract

This study analyzed pediatric playground-related injuries data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. An estimated 5 025 440 children <18 years were treated in US emergency departments for playground-related injuries during 1990-2012, averaging 218 497 children annually. The average patient age was 6.5 years. The overall annual injury rate declined during 1990-2007 ( P < .001) and then increased during 2007-2012 ( P < .001). The climbing equipment-related injury rate remained constant during 1990-2009 and then increased during 2007-2012 ( P = .014). The concussion/closed head injury rate increased during 1990-2008 ( P < .002) with the rate almost doubling from 2008-2012 ( P < .001). Falls accounted for 76.7% of all injuries and 87.7% of injuries to the upper extremities. Injuries resulted in hospitalization for 4.3% of patients. Despite current playground safety standards and guidelines, a large number of playground-related injuries continue to occur. Revised impact attenuation criteria for playground surfacing materials should be implemented and evaluated to more adequately prevent fall-related upper extremity fractures.

Keywords: emergency department; fall; injury; pediatric; playground.

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