Newswise — Riders in their 50s, 60s, and beyond account for a growing percentage of injuries and deaths related to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), report a pair of studies in the May issue of Southern Medical Journal, official journal of the Southern Medical Association. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry.
More ATV Injuries Are Occurring in Older Adults"¦Dr. George M. Testerman of East Tennessee State College of Medicine, Kingsport, reviewed his trauma center's experience with 250 patients injured in ATV accidents from 2001 through 2007. Concurrent with the rising popularity of ATVs, the number of injuries increased by 78 percent over the three most recent years. Eighty percent of injured ATV riders were male.
The three most recent years also saw an increased percentage of ATV injuries occurring in older adults: from 13 to 19 percent. In contrast, the rate of injuries in children under age 16 decreased from 21 to 9 percent. This trend may reflect recent ATV safety laws and initiatives targeting younger riders, suggests an editorial by Dr. Michael H. Catenacci of University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Patients over age 50 had more frequent and severe chest injuries than younger ATV riders, who were more likely to suffer head injuries. Injuries in older riders led to longer hospital stays, more complications, and greater disability. Alcohol or drugs were a factor in more than one-third of ATV injuries, including one-fifth of patients over age 50.
Eighty percent of injured ATV riders were men and boys. Across age groups, only about six percent of injured ATV riders were wearing helmets. Four percent of the patients died.
"¦While Deaths Increase in ATV Riders 65 and OlderIn the second study, James C. Helkamp, Ph.D., and Mary W. Carter, Ph.D., of West Virginia University, Morgantown, analyzed West Virginia death certificate data to examine trends in ATV deaths among adults aged 65 and older. With its rural and rugged terrain, West Virginia has the highest rate of ATV fatalities in the United States.
Deaths from ATV accidents among older West Virginians increased by more than 150 percent from 1985-98 to 1999-2007. In the latter period, there were 28 deaths in riders aged 65 and older, accounting for nearly ten percent of all ATV fatalities.
Overturns and rollovers were more common among older ATV riders, while younger riders were more likely to be killed in collisions. Older riders were more likely to crash their ATVs on private property, perhaps reflecting the use of ATVs for farm work. As in the East Tennessee study, head injuries were more common in younger riders.
All-terrain vehicles have exploded in popularity in recent years. Previous studies have reported high rates of ATV-related injuries and fatalities, especially among younger riders. However, the new reports suggest that ATV-related injuries and deaths are becoming more frequent in older adults, including those aged 65 and older—the oldest rider in the West Virginia study was 92 years old.
As people live longer and stay more active into old age, the findings may reflect a shift toward more active recreational activities, and associated injuries, among older adults, Drs. Helkamp and Carter believe. They write, "The popularity of ATV riding and the increase of related injuries among older adults suggest that '60 is the new 40.'"
Both articles emphasize that all age groups—not just younger riders—should be targeted for ATV safety and injury prevention programs. "Specifically, helmet usage, avoidance of alcohol and drugs while riding, and instruction in proper technique of the vehicle remain paramount in preventing traumatic injury," Dr. Catenacci writes.
About the Southern Medical JournalThe Southern Medical Journal (http://www.smajournalonline.com) is published monthly by the Southern Medical Association and Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Devoted solely to continuing education, the Journal publishes annually more than 200 original clinical articles directed to the practicing physician and surgeon on topics such as hypertension, osteoporosis, alcoholism, obesity, dementia, asthma, and diabetes and includes monthly CME features.
About the Southern Medical AssociationThe Southern Medical Association (SMA) (http://www.sma.org) has been serving physicians' needs since its inception in 1906. SMA's mission is to promote the health of patients through advocacy, leadership, education, and service. Mark your calendars to attend the Annual Scientific Assembly of Southern Medical Association, December 3-5, 2009 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. For additional information, call 800-423-4992, ext. 620 or visit http://www.sma.org/am2009.
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