RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Lawnmower injuries in children
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 1151
OP 1153
VO 116
IS 10
A1 Letts, R. M.
A1 Mardirosian, A.
YR 1977
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/116/10/1151.abstract
AB Over an 8-year period 31 children in the Winnipeg area were admitted to hospital with lawnmower injuries. The accidents were always preventable and were caused by patient or parent carelessness. The wounds were severe, often resulting in amputation of a portion of an extremity. Infection was common; prophylaxis with a broad-spectrum antibiotic and human antitetanus globulin is recommended. Radiography, debridement of the wound with thorough exploration under general anesthesia, and defatting and reapplication of degloved skin should be done initially, then the wound should be reinspected and redressed at 2 to 3 days, and finally closed or skin grafted at 6 to 8 days. Children must be educated about the dangers of lawnmowers and prevented from riding on tractor mowers. The grass catcher should be used and the path cleared of missiles. Hand controls should be mounted on the mower's handle and the blade should be kept sharp so that the machine's speed can be reduced.