The joy of unwrapping the presents on Christmas Day is done and dusted for another year, but what presents or holiday activities pose the highest risk to children in terms of being admitted into emergency departments around the country with broken bones?
Kemble Wang, a Melbourne orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in upper limb injury in children is all too familiar with the common breaks and injuries that children present with over the Christmas holidays.
"Christmas holidays are usually joyous and happy times for families, but sustaining an injury that can create long term issues can quickly turn the holiday period on its head", says Dr Wang.
"We want to continue to encourage kids to play and be active, but to also give a few words of caution to parents these holidays in the hope that it might prevent broken bones and other injuries."
"School holidays are always busier times for emergency departments of hospitals and we know which activities lead to the highest level of injuries and admissions."
Dr Wang outlines the following "top culprits" leading to accidental broken bones in children:
· Trampolines
· Monkey Bars
· Bicycles
· Scooters and skateboards
· Dirt/Quad Bikes (these result in the most serious injuries in children)
Dr Wang advises parents to supervise children closely, especially where speed is involved with bicycles, scooters and dirtbikes. Always ensure children have protective headwear and bodywear where appropriate.
"We see some horrific injuries in children who have come off motorised equipment. Some children will carry their injuries for years, some are maimed for the rest of their lives."
The Australian government had recently announced new safety standards for all quad bikes, including the ban of all children aboard quad bikes . However, there remains concern for safety of children before these changes are fully implemented.
Seeminly minor injuries should not always be ignored: "Many parents assume that all broken bones can be healed and this is a common misconception. Not all bones heal well or correctly in all cases. Some breaks don't always heal and some can heal in the wrong way."
Dr Wang goes onto say, "The most important thing is to seek medical assistance if you think your child may have a broken bone or serious injury."
"Leaving a broken bone for a week, or even a few days, can be detrimental. Kids heal quickly and if a bone breaks and starts to heal in the wrong position, sometimes there's not much we can do and this can impact the child as they grow and develop", Dr Wang goes on to say.
"Accidents happen, it's a part of growing up, so please use common sense and safety where possible."
