Non-orthopaedic paediatric trauma in a regional hospital.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the Republic of Ireland there are no paediatric surgeons outside Dublin. Most paediatric trauma is managed in general hospitals by general or orthopaedic surgeons. AIM: In this study we audited our experience with paediatric trauma in a regional setting. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of all non-orthopaedic paediatric trauma patients admitted to our institution over a two-year period.The method of injury, management and outcome were recorded and the TRISS (revised trauma injury severity score) method was used to calculate the probability of survival. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty four paediatric patients were admitted following trauma. Falls, RTAs and burns were the commonest reasons for admission. Twenty nine of these patients (19%) required surgical procedures. There were no unexpected deaths. CONCLUSION: The majority of paediatric trauma admissions were for minor injuries. A number of seriously injured children were successfully treated with no unexpected deaths.