Pediatric hand injuries due to exercise bicycles
Lehrer, M.S.; Bozentka, D.J.; Partington, M.T.; Lee, B.; Osterman, A.L.
Journal of Trauma 43(1): 100-102
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5282 PMID: 9253916 Document Number: 483168
Methods: This is a 5-year retrospective review of hand injuries caused by exercise bicycles among 34 children. Results: Mean age was 3 years and 5 months. Accidents were caused most commonly by impingement of the fingers between the chain and sprocket wheel (77%), but injuries caused by spinning wheel spokes (23%) were generally more severe. Injuries were usually of the avulsion type and ranged in severity from lacerations (43%) to fractures (19%) to amputations (38%). The central digits (87%) were involved more frequently than the border digits (13%). Replantation was possible for 33% of the amputated digits, with 50% of the ringers surviving. Conclusion: The avulsive nature of these injuries should be taken into consideration when attempting replantation. Increased community awareness and equipment safety modifications are needed to eliminate this preventable problem.