Abstract
Purpose
Bicycling is a well-liked sporting activity in which many children participate, and bicycle accidents are one of the most common causes of abdominal injuries in children. We evaluated the characteristics and outcomes of abdominal injuries due to bicycle accidents in children.
Patients and methods
This study was carried out retrospectively on children at the Department of Pediatric Surgery who were hospitalized for abdominal injury due to a bicycle accident, from 2008 to 2012. Abdominal injury-related bicycle accidents were evaluated with respect to patient characteristics, clinical presentation, management strategy, and outcome.
Results
Fifty-nine patients were hospitalized for abdominal injuries related to a bicycle accident. The mean age of the patients was 11.48 ± 3.6 years. Most patients had an imprint of the handlebar edge on their abdomen. The most common abdominal organ injury due to a bicycle accident was laceration of the liver. Most patients were treated conservatively. Surgery was performed in 14 (24.1 %) patients. Hospital stay was 1–68 (mean 4.34 ± 11.6) days.
Conclusions
Abdominal injuries following a bicycle accident are frequent, serious, and preventable. Most patients were treated conservatively. Bicycle injuries can be prevented.
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Cevik, M., Boleken, M.E., Sogut, O. et al. Abdominal injuries related to bicycle accidents in children. Pediatr Surg Int 29, 459–463 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-013-3279-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-013-3279-7