Consumer Product-related Injuries Research Articles

A nationwide analysis of upper extremity injuries in martial arts.

Given the rise of martial arts within the fitness and recreational industry, it is important to study trends in injury and note that practicing martial arts comes with a risk of injury, particularly to the upper extremities. By studying consumer product-related injuries to the upper extremities and addressing the current gap in the literature, future martial arts equipment can come with increased safety features, better provide information to healthcare providers treating such injuries, and improve risk mitigation through the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database was analyzed to collect data on martial arts equipment-related injuries on the upper extremities within the last 10 years. Over the most recent span of 10 years (2013-2022), there were approximately 78,680 injuries reported to the ED. The majority of them took place in 2013 (12.8%). Men were 2.4 times more likely to get injured than women. Injuries peaked in the age group 10-19-year-olds (33%) and particularly age 12 (4.8%). The upper extremity most commonly affected was the shoulder (29.1%), and the most common diagnosis group was a fracture (29.2%). Most injuries presented to the emergency department were not hospitalized (98.7%). This study highlights the occurrence of upper extremity injuries due to martial arts within the last 10 years and provides new information on the prevalence of such injuries. The results highlight that these injuries are usually non-severe and most commonly affect adolescent males; however, future research should explore performance-based recovery post-injury and long-term pain.

Defective Assistive Device Involvement in Older Adult Emergency Department Visits.

Many older adults adopt equipment to address physical limitations and reduce dependence on others to complete basic activities of daily living. Although a few prior studies have considered injuries associated with assistive devices for older adults, those studies focused on older adults' health and functional risks for injury. There is limited analysis of older adult injuries involving defective or malfunctioning assistive devices. Data from this study are from the National Electronic Surveillance System All Injury Program which collected data on consumer product-related injuries from a probability sample of 66 hospital Emergency Departments across the United States. Data from 30776 older adult Emergency Department (ED) injury narratives from 2016 to 2020 were coded according to the assistive device involved and whether malfunctioning led to the injury. The study team manually examined all narratives in which the assistive device was coded to have malfunctioned. A total of 10974 older adult ED cases were treated for 12488 injuries involving a defective device. Injuries included 4212 head and neck injuries (eg, concussion), 4317 trunk injuries (eg, hip fractures), and 3959 arm or leg injuries (eg, leg fracture). Of these patients, 4586 were admitted to a hospital ward for further evaluation and treatment. Seventy percent of these patients were injured while using a walker; in contrast, wheelchairs were implicated in only 4% of the above cases. Design flaws were identified in 8158 cases and part breakage/decoupling incidents in 2816 cases. Our findings provide evidence that assistive devices are actively involved in older adult injuries. Further research is needed to reduce injuries associated with assistive devices by educating patients and their careproviders about device use and assembly and developing effective methods for informing manufacturers about malfunctioning devices.

Orthopaedic Injury Patterns Related to Ice Skating, Inline Skating, and Roller Skating: A 20-Year Epidemiologic Analysis.

Ice skating, inline skating, and roller skating are popular sports in the United States (US). Although they are similar, injuries incurred may be distinct and may have evolved over time. To characterize injuries related to ice skating, inline skating, and roller skating and track injury patterns over a 20-year period. Descriptive epidemiology study. The current study utilized the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, a database reporting consumer product-related injuries seen at emergency departments in the US. All ice skating, inline skating, and roller skating injuries between 2002 and 2021 were identified, and patient demographics, types of injury, and year of injury were compared between skating types. A total of 1,656,746 skating-related injuries were estimated nationally: 24% (403,791) for ice skating, 24% (400,172) for inline skating, and 52% (852,783) for roller skating. While the incidence of ice-skating- and roller-skating-related injuries decreased by 34.4% (from 22,490 in 2002-2004 to 14,758 in 2019-2021) and 29.6% (from 42,452 in 2002-2004 to 31,980 in 2019-2021), respectively, injuries related to inline skating decreased comparatively more, by 75.8% over the study period (from 48,097 in 2002-2004 to 11,662 in 2019-2021). Injuries occurred predominantly to the head/face/neck for ice skating (n = 139,501; 34.5% of injuries), whereas injuries occurred predominantly in the shoulder/arm/elbow/wrist for inline skating (n = 212,088, 53.0% of injuries) and roller skating (n = 425,216, 49.9% of injuries). Fracture was the most common injury type for all 3 skating types (n = 614,853, 37.1% of injuries), and the majority of fractures occurred in the upper extremity (shoulder/arm/elbow/wrist) for all 3 skating types (n = 59,624, 60.0% [ice skating]; n = 69,197, 41.2% [inline skating], and n = 237,099, 68.2% [roller skating]). Lower extremity (leg/knee/ankle) fractures were more common among ice skating (n = 28,019, 28.2%) and roller skating (n = 82,094, 23.6%) injuries compared with inline skating (n = 21,391, 12.7%). In the current study, we found that fractures were the most common type of injury regardless of skating type but that the location of the injury/fracture varied by skating type.

The epidemiology of firework-related injuries in the US, 2012–2022

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the epidemiology of firework-related injuries within a national population between 2012 and 2022, including the severity of injury by year, patient demographics, body region injured, firework type, and diagnosis category of injury.MethodsData were collected from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, which is a representative nationwide database that collects data on consumer product-related injuries occurring in the US. Injury rates were calculated based on patient age, sex, body region injured, firework type, and diagnosis category.ResultsA total of 3219 injuries, representing an estimated 122,912 firework-related injuries, were treated in emergency departments within the US from 2012 to 2022. The overall incidence rate of firework-related injuries in the study rose by over 17% from 2012 [2.61 cases per 100,000 people (95% CI 2.03–3.20)] to 2022 and [3.05 cases per 100,000 people (95% CI 2.29–3.80)]. The rate of injuries was highest in adolescents and young adults (age 20–24; 7.13 cases per 100,000 people). Men experienced firework injuries at more than double the rate of women (4.90 versus 2.25 cases per 100,000 people). The upper extremities (41.62%), head/neck (36.40%), and lower extremities (13.78%) were the most commonly injured regions. Over 20% of cases in patients older than 20 were significant injuries requiring hospitalization. Aerial devices (32.11%) and illegal fireworks (21.05%) caused the highest rates of significant injury of any firework type.ConclusionsThe incidence of firework-related injuries has risen over the past decade. Injuries remain the most common among adolescents and young adults. In addition, significant injuries requiring hospitalization occur most often during aerial and illegal firework use. Further targeted sale restrictions, distribution, and manufacturing regulations for high-risk fireworks are required to reduce the incidence of significant injury.

Epidemiological Trends of Ocular Injuries in Infants.

Approximately 21,000 consumer product-related ocular injuries occurred in infants in the United States from 2009 to 2019; toys being the most common (12.9%) consumer product in the 1- to 4-month age cohort, detergents in the 5- to 8-month (21.6%) cohort, and chemicals for the 9- to 12-month (34.0%) age cohort. These results identify an important preventable consumer product-related public health problem in infants. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(4):e41-e44.].

Field Hockey-Related Injuries Treated in US Emergency Departments, 2000 to 2020.

To describe the epidemiology of field hockey-related injuries of patients aged 6 to 24 years who were treated in US emergency departments from 2000 to 2020. The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). The NEISS collects data on recreational activity-related and consumer product-related injuries treated in US Eds. Patients aged 6 to 24 years who were treated for field hockey-related injuries in Eds from 2000 to 2020. The researchers analyzed characteristics that included age, body part injured, injury diagnosis, disposition from the ED, injury locale, injury mechanism, contact, and equipment type. All cases of field hockey-related injuries were identified using the NEISS product code for field hockey (1295). There were an estimated 82 639 (95% CI = 45 536-119 742) field hockey-related injuries for patients aged 6 to 24 years treated in US emergency departments from 2000 to 2020. The rate of field hockey-related injuries per 100 000 population did not significantly change from 7.4 in 2000 to 7.4 in 2011 (slope = 0.048; P = 0.581) but significantly decreased from 7.4 in 2011 to 3.7 in 2019 (slope = -0.40; P = 0.018). As player age increased, the risk of injury due to contact with equipment increased ( 13 years: RR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.82-0.98, 19-24 years: RR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.06-1.29). Concussions or traumatic brain injuries accounted for 9.2% of injuries and were most associated with contact with the ball. Although there was a decrease in the field hockey-related injuries, field hockey remains an important source of injuries for children and young adults.

Consumer Product-Related Pediatric Eye Injuries Treated in United States Emergency Departments

ABSTRACT Purpose This study investigates characteristics and trends of children <18 years old treated in United States emergency departments (EDs) for consumer product-related eye injuries. Methods Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for January 1, 1997 through December 31, 2019 were analyzed. Results During the 23-year study period, an estimated 1,453,283 children were treated for consumer product-related eye injuries, averaging 63,186 children annually. Overall, the eye injury rate per 100,000 children <18 years old increased initially from 82.64 in 1997 to 104.53 in 2001 (p = .0492) and then decreased by 32.1% to 70.95 in 2019 (p < .0001). Almost two-thirds (64.5%) were boys and 32.1% were <5 years old. Overall, 2.6% of patients were admitted, but injuries involving non-powder firearms and golf had the highest admission rates (18.8% and 14.7%, respectively). Compared with other product categories, children were more frequently admitted if they had an eye injury associated with non-powder firearms (18.8% admitted; OR: 10.92, 95% CI: 8.67–13.76) or golf (14.7% admitted; OR: 6.59, 95% CI: 3.51–12.34). Contact with a non-chemical product was the leading mechanism of eye injury in all age groups, except children <5 years old, in which the leading mechanism was contact with a chemical product (34.2%). Corneal abrasion (36.5% overall) was the most frequent diagnosis across all age groups. Conclusions Although the rate of consumer product-related pediatric eye injuries treated in US EDs has decreased since 2001, these injuries remain common among children. Therefore, increased prevention efforts are needed.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department visits for genitourinary trauma

IntroductionThe mean number of emergency department visits for all-cause traumas has declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to identify how a global pandemic and social distancing could affect the trends and pattern of genitourinary traumas.MethodsWe queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System to obtain consumer product-related genitourinary injuries leading to emergency department visits. Using three key events in 2020, we divided the study period to three intervals: January 20, when the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in the United States; March 13, when a national state of emergency was declared; April 20, when Texas became the first state to start a phased reopening of economy. We compared the injury characteristics in 2020 to their identical intervals in 2019.ResultsDaily emergency department visits dropped significantly during the national lockdown (mean 131.5 vs. 78; Δ-40.7%; p < 0.01). The genitourinary injuries decreased significantly in children ≤ 17 years (p < 0.01), males (p < 0.001), and White population (p < 0.01). However, it did not change significantly in adults 18–64 years (p = 0.92), old adults ≥ 65 years (p = 0.37), females (p = 0.60), Black population (p = 0.90), other/unknown races (p = 0.93), and for injuries sustained at home (p = 0.75) and public (p = 0.11) locations. During the lockdown period, injuries associated with toilets/toilet seats (− 320, − 74.6%), day wear (− 266, − 77.7%), beds/bedframes (− 209, − 64.2%) decreased while injuries associated with knickknacks/statues/vases (+ 154, n/a), sofas/couches/divans (+ 130, 2,684%), and razors/shavers (+ 99, n/a) increased.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown had a significant impact on genitourinary traumas. The contributing factors could be investigated further to prevent such injuries during deconfinement periods.

Characterization of Pediatric Genital Injuries Due to Consumer Products From 2011 to 2020

ObjectiveTo describe demographic trends of consumer product-related injuries in the pediatric cohort from 2011 – 2020. MethodsThe National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database surveying emergency department visits was retrospectively searched for all pediatric genitourinary injuries from 2011 to 2020. Data on demographics, diagnosis, products, disposition, and anatomy injured were collected on patients between the ages of 0-19 years. Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression. ResultsThere were 12,953 reported pediatric cases involving injuries of the genital region from 2011 to 2020 with a national estimate of 324,636 (95% CI 241,527 – 407,746) pediatric genital injuries, comprising 0.76% of total pediatric injuries in the past decade. Of these patients, female (54.2%), white (39.7%) individuals sustained the most injuries, and items most commonly responsible included bicycles (9.4%), playground equipment (6.9%), toilets (4.6%), beds (4.5%), bathtubs and showers (4.4%), soaps (4.4%), chairs (4.1%), and razors and shavers (2.3%). Urethral injuries were due to chemical injuries from soaps (22%), furniture (17%), playground injuries (17%), insertion of foreign bodies into the urethra (13%), bicycles (10%), and swimming related injuries (4%). Genital injuries in children 0-5 years old were primarily caused by furniture (47.8%), while injuries in the 6-10, 11-15, and 16-19 age groups were attributed to sports and recreation (41.2%, 24.6%, 12.2% respectively). There was no significant change in the annual number of pediatric genital injuries from 2011 to 2020 (R2 = 0.38, P = 0.057). ConclusionIdentifying factors involved in pediatric genital trauma can allow for increased legislation, surveillance, and prevention of such injuries in targeted age groups.

Characteristics of pepper spray-related injuries reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System during 2000–2020

Introduction Exposure to pepper spray may result in adverse dermal, ocular, and inhalation effects. Furthermore, pepper spray, including the more potent bear spray, was used by both law enforcement and protesters in 2020 in the protests related to racial justice and COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The objective of this study was to characterize pepper spray-related injuries treated at United States (US) emergency departments (EDs). Methods Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, a database of consumer product-related injuries collected from approximately 100 US hospital EDs. Pepper spray-related injuries reported during 2000–2020 were identified by reviewing all records that included the letter groups “pep” or “bear” in the Narrative field and “spray” in the Narrative field or Product code 1619 in the Product_1, Product_2, or Product_3 fields. Results A total of 1112 pepper spray-related injuries were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 34,582 pepper spray-related injuries, of which 43.4% were reported during 2014–2020. Of the estimated exposures, the age distribution was 14.5% 0–5 years, 18.5% 6–12 years, 18.2% 13–19 years, 19.6% 20–29 years, 11.8% 30–39 years, 9.1% 40–49 years, and 8.3% 50 years or older; 55.9% of the patients were male. The exposure route was 52.0% ocular, 25.7% dermal, 13.6% inhalation, 2.9% ingestion/oral, and 14.1% unknown. Conclusions Patients with pepper spray-related injuries tended to be older children and young adults, and the majority of patients were male. The route of exposure of most of the injuries was ocular.

Characteristics of ocular nail glue exposures reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System during 2000–2019

Introduction Nail glue often consists of a mixture of alcohol, cyanoacrylate, or photo-bonded methacrylate. Ocular exposures to nail glue may result in potentially serious clinical effects, and patients may be treated at healthcare facilities. The objective of this study was to characterize ocular nail glue exposures treated at United States emergency departments. Methods Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, a database of consumer product-related injuries collected from approximately 100 United States hospital emergency departments. Ocular nail glue exposures reported during 2000–2019 were identified by reviewing all records with product code 0909 (Adhesives) and with “nail” and “glue” or “nail” and “adhesive” in the Narrative field. Results A total of 498 ocular nail glue exposures were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 18,402 exposures. Of the estimated exposures, the age distribution was 14.1% 0–5 years, 15.1% 6–12 years, 14.3% 13–19 years, and 56.6% 20 years or older; 87.5% of the patients were female. The nail glue was mistaken for eye drops in 20.8% of the cases, splashed into the eye in 15.0% cases, and rubbed into the eye in 3.3% cases. The most commonly reported clinical effects were 41.8% foreign body, 33.8% corneal abrasion, and 11.0% conjunctivitis. Conclusion The most common circumstance leading to ocular nail glue exposures treated at United States emergency departments involved nail glue being mistaken for eye drops. The most frequently reported clinical effects were the presence of a foreign body, corneal abrasion, and conjunctivitis.

Nitrous oxide misuse reported to two United States data systems during 2000–2019

Background: Nitrous oxide may be misused due to its euphoric, dissociative, and hallucinogenic effects. Nitrous oxide misuse has been reported to be increasing.Objective: The objective of this study is to describe nitrous oxide misuse reported to two United States (US) data systems.Methods: Cases were nitrous oxide misuse during 2000-2019 reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which collects data on consumer product-related injuries treated in US emergency departments (EDs), and the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), which collects reports of adverse events involving drugs and other biologic products. The distribution of cases was determined for selected variables.Results: Of the 26 NEISS cases, the mean annual number of cases was 0.5 (range 0-2) during 2000-2013 and 3.2 (range 1-5) during 2014-2019. The patients were 92.3% age 13-39 years and 76.9% male. The patient was treated or examined and released from the ED in 84.6% of the cases. Of the 128 FAERS cases, the mean annual number of cases was 0.4 (range 0-2) during 2000-2013 and 20.3 (range 10-34) during 2014-2019. The patients were 90.2%% age 13-39 years and 77.3% male. A serious classification was assigned to 97.7% of the cases.Conclusions: Nitrous oxide misuse reported to NEISS and FAERS both increased during 2000-2019, particularly after 2013. The majority of patients were age 13-39 years and male. Most NEISS patients were treated or examined and released from the ED.

Electronic cigarette explosion/burn and poisoning related emergency department visits, 2018-2019.

Electronic cigarette (ECIG) use has increased dramatically in recent years. Negative ECIG-related acute health effects have included explosion/burn injuries from battery failure and child ingestion/poisoning of liquid nicotine. However, there is an urgent need for continued surveillance of ECIG health effects to determine whether these outcomes change as ECIG devices and liquids rapidly evolve. This study updates national estimates of ECIG-related emergency department (ED) visits and describes the context of these injuries. A keyword search of case narrative text was used to identify ECIG-related ED visits in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data. These cross-sectional data are designed to be weighted to provide national estimates of consumer product-related injuries treated in EDs. ECIG-related injuries were described and categorized, and sampling weights applied to model national estimates. From 2015 to 2019 there were an estimated 3369 ED visits from ECIG explosion/burn injuries (95% CI=2020, 4718), and an estimated 676 visits from 2019 alone (95% CI=315, 1036). In 2018-2019, there were an estimated 1550 cases of children <5years old ingesting ECIG liquids (95% CI=778, 2322). Despite a notable shift in the US market towards ECIG devices that use lower electrical power and disposable "pods" (e.g., JUUL), liquid chemical ingestion among young children and ECIG explosion/burn injuries persist. Improved product regulations are urgently needed to prevent negative health effects caused by ECIGs, as well as prevent their ingestion and use by children.

Helium inhalation injuries managed at emergency departments

Introduction Helium is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless inert gas. Inhaling helium can temporarily result in a high-pitched, squeaky voice. Individuals also may inhale helium to become intoxicated or commit suicide. The objective of this study was to characterize helium inhalations managed at emergency departments (EDs). Methods Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a database of consumer product-related injuries collected from the EDs of approximately 100 United States hospitals. Helium inhalation-related injuries reported during 2000–2019 were identified by reviewing the record narratives for the term “helium.” The distribution of the national estimate was determined for selected variables. Results A total of 89 helium inhalation-related injuries were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 2,186 injuries. The estimated number of injuries was 99 during 2000–2004, 305 during 2005–2009, 864 during 2010–2014, and 918 during 2015–2019. The age distribution was 75 (3.4%) 0–5 years, 1,427 (65.3%) 6–12 years, 586 (26.8%) 13–19 years, and 98 (4.5%) 20 years or older; 1446 (66.1%) of the patients were male. The most commonly reported symptoms or injuries were 1500 (68.6%) syncope, 615 (28.1%) non-concussion head injury, 299 (13.7%) dizziness/lightheaded, 267 (12.2%) contusion/abrasion, and 236 (10.8%) concussion. The patient was treated or evaluated and released in 2149 (98.3%) estimated injuries. Conclusion The majority of patients with helium inhalation-related injuries treated at United States EDs were age 6–12 years and male. Most of the patients experienced either syncope or dizziness/lightheadedness and were released from the ED.

Assessment of the opportunities for increasing the availability of EU data on consumer product-related injuries

The availability of data on consumer products-related accidents and injuries is of interest to a wide range of stakeholders, such as consumer product safety and injury prevention policymakers, market surveillance...

Hurricane Shutter-Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments.

Injuries may occur when putting up and taking down hurricane (storm) shutters. This study described hurricane shutter-related injuries managed at emergency departments (EDs). Hurricane shutter-related injuries were identified through the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a database of consumer product-related injuries collected from the EDs of approximately 100 United States hospitals. There were 329 hurricane shutter-related injuries during 2001-2017. Thirty-six injuries were reported during October 2005 (Hurricane Wilma), 30 during August 2008 (Tropical Storm Fay), and 103 during September 2017 (Hurricane Irma). Patients were 20 years or older in 90.6% of the cases; 76.3% of the patients were male. The most frequently reported injuries were laceration (48.9%), sprain or strain (15.2%), and fracture (9.4%). Lower extremities (34.0%) were the most commonly affected body part followed by upper extremities (29.5%) and head or neck (17.0%). The patient was treated or examined at the ED and released in 86.6% of the cases. Over half of the hurricane shutter-related injuries appeared to occur in association with hurricanes and tropical storms. The most frequently reported injuries were laceration followed by sprain or strain and fracture. The majority of patients were treated or examined at the ED and released.

Characterizing Injuries from Genital Foreign Objects: Analysis from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

Genital foreign body injuries are becoming more common with the growing popularity of genital piercings and devices such as penile rings. We evaluated a nationwide sample of emergency department data to determine trends in demographics, injury locations, disposition and source of injury over time with regard to genital foreign bodies. Using NEISS (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System), a representative sample of data collected from hospital emergency department visits associated with consumer product related injuries occurring in the United States, we retrospectively identified cases of genital foreign body injuries in males and females. Means were compared with the independent t-test and proportions with chi-square analysis. We identified 184 genital foreign body injuries in NEISS from 2008 to 2017 consisting of 87 piercing injuries (47.3%) and 97 genital ring injuries (52.7%). The most common body part injured was the penile foreskin (100 cases, 54.3%). Mean age was 35.9 years, and males were more commonly injured than females (127, 69.0% vs 57, 31.0%). Genital foreign body injuries increased over time from 2008 (10, 5.4%) to 2017 (25, 13.6%), and most patients (166, 90.2%) were treated and released from the emergency department. Although genital foreign body injuries caused by piercings and sex toys are becoming more common, most can be safely managed at the emergency department without hospitalization. Affected patients tend to be younger and male with most injuries occurring on the penile foreskin. More large-scale studies are needed to determine trends according to economic status, education level and location within the United States.

Computer and electronic duster spray inhalation (huffing) injuries managed at emergency departments

ABSTRACTBackground: Computer and electronic duster sprays contain halogenated hydrocarbon gases. Intentional inhalation of computer and electronic duster sprays to induce intoxication, also known as huffing, may cause serious adverse effects and even death.Objectives: Describe computer and electronic duster spray inhalation-related injuries managed at United States (US) emergency departments (EDs).Methods: Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a database of consumer product-related injuries collected from the EDs of approximately 100 hospitals in the US. Cases were computer and electronic duster spray inhalation-related injuries included in NEISS during 2001–2017. The distribution by selected variables was determined for the resulting cases as well as a weighted estimate.Results: A total of 320 computer and electronic duster spray inhalation-related injuries were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 14,715 (95% confidence interval 11,120–18,311) such injuries. The annual estimated number of injuries remained low during 2001–2008 then increased during 2008–2017. Of the estimated injury patients, 3.2% were aged 6–12 years, 20.3% 13–19 years, and 76.5% 20–59 years; 65.4% of the patients were male. The disposition of the patient was 71.4% treated and examined and released, 6.9% treated and transferred, 11.6% treated and admitted or hospitalized, 0.7% held for observation, and 8.7% left without being seen.Conclusion: This study suggests that computer and electronic duster spray inhalation (huffing) may be an increasing issue of which hospital EDs and other clinicians should be aware. The pattern of injuries observed may be useful for targeting education, prevention and management activities.

Pediatric head and neck injuries due to golf cart trauma

IntroductionGolf carts are increasingly used off the golf course and are often viewed as innocuous modes of transportation. However, research has shown they can cause significant injuries, particularly to children. ObjectivesAnalyze golf cart related head and neck injuries in children and adults from a national database. MethodsThe National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for golf cart injuries. The NEISS tracks consumer product related injuries from a sampling of approximately 100 emergency departments across the United States. Age, general diagnosis (concussion, fracture, laceration), body-part injured, disposition (hospitalized, discharged), location injury occurred, and mechanism of injury were analyzed. ResultsOver an 11-year period, a total of 3433 total patients were identified. There were 1471 children (16 years old or younger), which compromised 42.9% of the cohort. Children were injured at home or on the road 44.7% of the time compared to only 16.6% of adults (p < 0.003). Children injured their head or neck 42.6% of the time compared to 28.6% of adults (p < 0.0001). Adults who were hit by a car while riding a golf cart or were ejected from the golf cart 44.6% of the time compared to 61.7% of children (p < 0.0001). There were 3.9% of children with a face, head, or neck fracture compared to only 2.4% of adults (p = 0.01). ConclusionChildren are more vulnerable to golf cart related injuries, specifically to the head and neck.

A fresh look at the costs of non-fatal consumer product injuries

BackgroundProducts under the purview of the Consumer Product Safety Commission are involved in a large share of injuries and injury costs in the USA.MethodsThis study analyses incidence data from the...