Evaluation of the fall-related trauma cases applied to our pediatric emergency department

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the fall-related trauma cases who were admitted to our pediatric emergency unit. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the files of 161 cases (100 males [62.1%], 61 females [37.9%]) who had sustained falls and were admitted to our pediatric emergency unit. Data on the patients' age, sex, arrival type, type of fall, height fallen, type of injuries, radiological findings and hospitalization rates were investigated. RESULTS Of 161 cases mean age was 4.29 +/- 3.33 years and height fallen was 135 +/- 95 centimeters. The common types of fall were from furniture (35.4%), stairs (17.4%) and balconies and windows (11.2%). Major injuries included head trauma (84.4%), soft tissue (72.7%) and extremity (37.9%). Thirty cases (18.6%) were hospitalized, while 112 cases (69.6%) were treated as outpatient and 11.8% of them were discharged due to their own demand. CONCLUSION The majority of fall-related injuries in childhood mostly occurs in private houses and head trauma is the most frequent injury. To decrease the frequency of the fall injuries, strategies should include parents' education about the mechanism of falls and increase prevention strategies.