Risk factors for upper limb fractures in children falling from playground equipment - a case control study

Funded Activity Summary

Each year in Victoria, up to 5,000 children attend hospital emergency departments with injuries associated with playground equipment. Approximately 1,000 children are admitted to hospital, reflecting the severity of these injuries. The estimated total lifetime treatment costs of these injuries is in the vicinity of $7.9 million (1996-97). In over three quarters of these children, a fall from equipment resulted in injury. Arm fracture is the most frequent and most costly injury. This study aims to determine the factors which influence the risk of arm fracture in the event of a fall from playground equipment. It will focus in particular, on the height of the equipment and the type of undersurfacing. The study will involve interviewing children who have fallen from playground equipment at school or at pre-school. The results of the study will be used to make recommendations on how to improve the safety of playgrounds.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2000

End Date: 01-01-2002

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $355,770.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Ophthalmology and optometry not elsewhere classified

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

arm fracture | case-control | children | falls | injury | playground equipment

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