Know before you mow: A review of lawn mower injuries in children, 1990-1998

Abstract

Purpose: The authors evaluated lawn mower injuries in Canadian children from 1990 through 1998. Data regarding age of the patient, location, and severity of injuries were tabulated. Methods: Data were collected through the CHIRPP questionnaire (Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting & Prevention Program). Initially, a regional study examined data in the pediatric population presenting to Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Hôspital Ste-Justine (HSJ), and Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH) emergency departments. This was followed by review of all lawn mower injuries reported in Canada (including all ages) that presented to the 16 emergency departments (ER) where CHIRPP is administered. Results: Ninety cases were reported between 1990 and 1998 (MCH) and 1991 through 1997 (HSJ and CHEO). A bimodal age distribution was noted with 36% (29 of 81) younger than 4 years, and 37% (30 of 81) 10 to 14 years of age. Ninety-three percent of all injuries involved children 14 or under. Lacerations were the most common type of injury comprising 29 (32%) followed closely by amputations, 26 (29%); burns and fractures were the other main subtypes comprising 16 (18%) and 12 (13%), respectively. Eighty-seven percent of all injuries involved distal upper or lower extremity. Forty-two percent (34 of 81) required hospitalization; another 37% (30 of 81) were classified as major injuries treated in emergency and followed up. In the national data set, 354 patients with 427 injuries presented between 1990 and 1995. Sixty percent or 214 of 354 were 19 years of age or younger; furthermore, 51% or 182 of 354 were younger than 15 years. Lacerations and amputations were the most common injuries comprising 50% and 12% respectively. Lower extremity injuries were the most numerous at 184 of 427 (43%). A total of 159 of 354 (45%) were treated in ER and required hospital follow-up, a further 70 (20%) required hospital admission. No fatalities were reported. Conclusions: Recommendations for a proposed prevention campaign include the following: (1) children younger than 15 years should not operate lawn mowers, (2) children younger than 15 years should not be in the yard when lawn is being mowed, (3) no passengers should be carried on the ride-on style mowers, (4) wearing hard closed-toe shoes should be mandatory. J Pediatr Surg 35:665-668. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.