Pediatric Penetrating Neck Trauma Resulting From a Metal Boat Cleat: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Clinical decision making for pediatric neck trauma is challenging because data and reports are sparse. We present a case report showing current recommendations for managing pediatric neck injuries. CASE PRESENTATION: This is the case of an 11-year-old boy who presented to our Level I trauma center after a slip and fall on a metal boat cleat (metal fixture used to secure rope). He suffered a penetrating injury to his neck, requiring operative exploration. This case report provides an overview on the rare incidence of pediatric penetrating neck trauma and treatment options. CONCLUSION: This case highlights penetrating neck injuries, which are uncommon in the pediatric population. This case report is unusual due to the method of injury and nature of the object. Neck trauma via a metal boat cleat is particularly rare. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of the neck, mechanism of injury, thorough clinical examination, and proper workup are essential to providing effective care.

Epidemiology of pediatric trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic shelter in place.

INTRODUCTION: The first COVID-19 cases occurred in the US in January of 2020, leading to the implementation of shelter in place. This study seeks to define the impact of shelter in place on the epidemiology of pediatric trauma. METHODS: We examined pediatric trauma admissions at 5 Level 1 and 1 Level 2 US pediatric trauma centers between January 1 and June 30, 2017-2020. Demographic and injury data were compared between pre- and post-shelter in place patient cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 8772 pediatric trauma activations were reviewed. There was a 13% decrease in trauma volume in 2020, with a nadir at 16 days following implementation of shelter in place. Injury severity scores were higher in the post-shelter in place cohort. The incidence of nonmotorized vehicle accidents and gunshot wounds increased in the post-shelter in place cohort. CONCLUSION: We found an overall decrease in pediatric trauma volume following shelter in place. However, injuries tended to be more severe. Our findings help inform targeted injury prevention campaigns during future pandemics.

Consequences of Underestimating Impalement Bicycle Handlebar Injuries in Children.

Impalement bicycle handlebar trauma injuries are rare; however, on initial assessment, they have the potential of being underestimated. We reviewed our prospective trauma database of 3,894 patients for all bicycle injuries from January 2010 to May 2015. Isolated pedal bike injuries were reported in 2.6% (N = 101) of the patients who were admitted to the trauma service. Fifteen patients suffered direct handlebar trauma. Patients were grouped into blunt trauma (n = 12) and impalement trauma (n = 3). We examined gender, age, injury severity score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Scale score, use of protective devices, need for surgical intervention, need for intensive care (ICU), and hospital length of stay. Mean age was 9.6 years. All children with penetrating injuries were males. Mean ISS was less than 9 in both groups. None of the children were wearing bicycle helmets. Three patients who sustained blunt injuries required ICU care due to associated injuries. All of the children with impalement injuries required several surgical interventions. These injuries included a traumatic direct inguinal hernia, a medial groin and thigh laceration with resultant femoral hernia, and a lateral deep thigh laceration. Impalement bicycle handlebar injuries must be thoroughly evaluated, with a similar importance given to blunt injuries. A high index of suspicion must be maintained when examining children with handlebar impalement injuries, as they are at risk for missed or underestimation of their injuries.