484 - Pediatric Kickball-Related Injuries Presenting To United States Emergency Departments

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiology of head, face, and mouth (HFM) kickball-related injuries among children less than 18 years of age, who were treated in hospital emergency departments (EDs) in the United States (US) over a 10-year time period.

Methods: Injury data was obtained from the National Electronic Surveillance System (NEISS), a network of US hospitals that represent a stratified probability sample. NEISS data is weighted to produce national estimates for consumer product related injuries nationwide. Injuries presenting between January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2022 were reviewed. Consumer product code (kickball) and body parts (head, face, mouth) were added as inclusion criteria when performing the NEISS data inquiry. Collected data included injury dates, diagnoses, patient demographics, body parts involved, mechanisms of injury, and places where the event occurred.

Results: During the 10-year time period, an estimated 14,927 HFM kickball-related injuries presented to US EDs. The distribution of patient ages were 0-5 yrs (3%), 6-11 yrs (55%), and 12-17 yrs (42%), respectively. The male:female injury ratio was 1.7:1. Head injuries accounted for 71% of the cases. Tooth injuries were reported less than 1% of the time. Fifty nine percent of the injuries happened at school. 

Conclusions: Kickball-related head injuries occurring at schools presented most commonly to US EDs. Enhanced safety measures at schools and during gym classes are needed to prevent HFM kickball-related injuries among school-aged children.

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