ATV Accident Injuries – Spinal Fractures

People love to explore the outdoors in all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Although four wheels make these vehicles relatively stable, they are prone to accidents and explosions. Spinal fractures are common types of injuries that result from an ATV explosion accident. The risk of a fire or explosion exacerbates the serious injury risks as well. Should a vehicle be affected, one may lose control, and have a chance of experiencing serious burns in addition to the consequences of spinal bone fractures.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in a report issued in 2017, there were 97,200 ATV-related injuries requiring emergency treatment in 2015. About 28 percent of them were kids under 16 years old, and 29 percent of these involved the head and neck. The speed at which the vehicle can travel (over 65 miles per hour) and its weight of up to 600 pounds make it more dangerous than, for example, a 30-pound bicycle that can go only as fast as the rider can peddle.

ATV Accidents – Why Such a High Risk to the Spine?

Spine, spinal cord, and traumatic brain injuries are among the most common injuries seen in all-terrain vehicle crashes. The reasons for an increased risk to the spine include:

• Rollover accidents that lead to impacts hard enough to fracture, dislocate, or compress vertebrae. Any bone damage can potentially affect the spinal cord.
• Many ATV riders do not use the proper headgear that is designed to protect their head and neck. In an accident, that leaves them vulnerable to preventable injuries.
• The rider not having the experience to properly operate the vehicle. Individuals may also ride under the influence, increasing the risk of ATV fires or explosions and other accidents leading to spinal fractures.
• The tendency of people to ride at high speeds on a small, compact vehicle. A rollover or impact with a tree or boulder can be severe enough to fracture vertebrae.

A study by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons assessed the risk to children. It found older patients were more likely to experience thoracic spine fractures, while younger individuals were more prone to lumbar spine fractures. Nearly a quarter of those studied required surgery. About 14 percent of those tracked had lingering neurological deficits as a result of the injury.

Considerations with a Spinal Fracture

A blow to the spine that causes a bone fracture can also injure the spinal cord. If a vertebra, or spinal bone, is fractured or crushed, this is a real possibility. Even a dislocation can cause trauma that can lead to permanent damage, impairment, and paralysis.

Treating an ATV explosion victim on the scene, therefore, requires spinal motion restrictions, in case there is a fracture, and tending to other injuries such as burns. Moving and transporting the patient must also be done with great care, as to not exacerbate the injury. Response and hospital arrival time are a concern as well. Injuries to bones and organs mean medical care is urgent, but in a rural area it often takes longer to respond and get a person to a hospital. In such a setting, it can take up to an hour, or longer if the ATV explosion occurs in a remote area. Urban environments, on the other hand, offer closer proximity, so a patient may reach the hospital in 15 to 45 minutes.