This study describes information from the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) for injury mechanisms in the pediatric age group (aged 0-16 years). The total number of pediatric cases in the NASS database for this three year sampling period are 2141 (weighted 591,084). No restraint use was identified in 23-43% of the children. For those aged below 1 year, 60% of patients suffer a facial injury. Head injuries make up only 10% of the total injuries, but are severe. For those aged 1-4 years, abdominal injuries and lower extremity injuries begin to appear. For those aged 5-10 years, the predominant change over younger occupants is the proportion of spinal injuries. By age 11-16 years, injuries to the spine, upper extremities, and lower extremities outnumber injuries to the face and head. However, in this population, the greatest proportions of Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) 3-5 injuries still occur to the head and abdomen. (A)
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