Pediatric hand injury induced by treadmill

Korea has recently seen an increase in pediatric hand injuries associated with treadmills. This study was conducted to identify the frequency, patterns, treatment and outcome of these injuries, in the hope of developing preventive programs. A retrospective review of the medical records of 25 children, all with treadmill-induced friction hand injuries, was conducted at the Hallym Burn Centre, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea, during the period of January 2002 to March 2004. The injuries constituted 1.4% of the total number of pediatric burn injury admissions. Male toddlers were affected more than female. The mean age of the children was 3.9 ± 3.2 (3, 1–15) years old. Most injuries occurred in spring. Treadmill friction inflicted deep second or third degree burns, small in area (1.6 ± 1.0% of TBSA). All lesions involved the hands and forearms, with 60% on the right. Most patients (64%) underwent surgical management 13 ± 5 days after the injury. The volar surface of the hand was more affected than the dorsal side (27 versus 8). Treatment was mainly with full thickness skin graft (60%) and long-term surgical outcomes were excellent. Such injuries may be prevented by educating the public about the potential risks of the treadmill, and by the development of additional safety designs. Changes in management protocols and treatment policies would improve the provision of appropriate care.