Population-based study of fall injuries in children and adolescents resulting in hospitalization or death.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence and characteristics of fall-related injuries to children and adolescents.

DESIGN

Population-based study.

SETTING

All hospital discharges in Washington State for fall-related injuries in 1989 and 1990.

POPULATION

Children and adolescents 19 years and younger.

RESULTS

Falls accounted for nearly one third of all trauma admissions, and fall patients tended to be younger than those with other injuries. Falls from one level to another accounted for 40% of the total. One fourth of all patients and 42% of preschoolers sustained head injury. The annual cost of these injuries in Washington State was $4.5 million.