Lawn-mower injuries in children.

The power lawn mower is capable of inflicting serious injury, particularly to the pediatric population. A total of 27 patients who had sustained lawn-mower injuries were reviewed to identify those factors responsible for power-mower accidents and to determine an effective treatment regimen for these patients. The injuries included amputations in 19, major lacerations in 34, and fractures in 23 extremities. Aggressive treatment of both the soft tissue and bony injuries was necessary. Fractures were treated with either open reduction and internal fixation or external fixation, as appropriate, and early soft tissue coverage. The results were satisfactory in the majority of patients, but often required multiple surgical procedures over a number of years. The incidence of these injuries can be reduced by educating the public about the potential dangers of these machines, and by encouraging the use of proper safety procedures.