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Selected Publication:
Tropper, U; Triebl, K; Mayr, JM.
Baby buggy accidents
MONATSSCHR KINDERHEILK 2000 148: 365-367.
Doi: 10.1007/s001120050563
Web of Science
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- Leading authors Med Uni Graz
- Mayr Johannes
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- Abstract:
- Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the causes and accident mechanisms that lead to injuries in infancy involving buggies and prams in order to establish strategies for accident prevention.Method: In a retrospective study, we identified infants and toddlers who attended the Department of Paediatric Surgery at the University of Graz after a baby-carriage accident between January 1989 and 1999. The time of accident and type of injuries sustained were analyzed from the case records. Questionnaires inquiring in addition about the place and circumstances of the accident as well as about long-term sequels were sent to the families of these children.Results: A total of 220 children were included in the retrospective study, 106 girls (48.2%), 114 boys (51.8%). Two-thirds were below 1 year of age at the time of the accident. 5.9% of children had sustained skull fractures, 12.7% a cerebral concussion, 70.0% contusions of the head, 5.9% lacerations of scalp or facial skin, 2.7% fractures of extremities and 2.7% other minor injuries. Analysis of the 82 questionnaires suitable for evaluation revealed that 61.0% of the carriages involved were equipped with harnesses but 53.4% of the safety harnesses were not being used at the time of the accident. Technical defaults contributed to over a quarter of the accidents including a too high center of gravity predisposing to tipping over in 12.2%, inadequate fixation of the seat or baggage rack in 7.3%, and safety defects of the folding mechanism in 6.0%). Inappropriate use of the pram resulted in 11.0% of the accidents. Long-standing complications were reported in 7.3%, comprising 5 facial scars and 1 child suffering with recurrent headaches.Conclusion: The installation and use of safety harnesses is imperative to avoid stroller and pram accidents. The number could also be reduced by eliminating deficiencies in the construction by the manufacturers.
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- safety harness
- stroller/pram accident
- technical defects
- childhood