Golf related head injuries in children

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the incidence and severity of head injuries to children sustained by a blow from a golf club or ball and to highlight the potential for significant injury. An increase in public awareness of these risks might result in a reduction in morbidity. Methods: Over a period of seven months, all children aged 3-13 years, attending the accident and emergency department with a head injury sustained from a golf club or ball had their case notes reviewed by the author. Results: Thirty seven children, 78% of whom were boys, were identified as having sustained such a head injury, commonly during the school holiday months. Thirty three of the injuries were caused by golf clubs, the other four by a golf ball. Half of the injuries were to the frontal area. Twenty five children (68%) had skull radiographs but only one was positive-one child sustaining a compound depressed fracture of the frontal area. One child required cleaning and suturing of a wound under a general anaesthetic. A known epileptic child had a fit immediately after being hit on the head by a golf ball. Twenty two (60%) sustained lacerations that were repaired with steristrips or glue. Twelve had haematomas, seven complained of dizziness/drowsiness, and two had nausea/vomiting. Conclusions: Other authors have reported fatal head injuries, and it would seem that parents are unaware of the risks of serious and permanent head injury, with the potential for death, attributable to blows to the head from golf clubs and balls. The need for early tuition in the safety aspects of the game cannot be underestimated and parent and player education strategies are suggested as the main means of reducing injuries in this popular sport.

Golf‐related injuries: A systematic review

“…(Brian & Glazer, 2005;Fountas et al, 2006;Fradkin et al, 2005;Macgregor, 2002;Rahimi et al, 2005). The majority of children hurt are boys between 5 and 9 years of age (Fradkin et al, 2005;Macgregor, 2002).…”

Golf Injuries

“…The patellar slides tangentially over the laterpeak force at the end of the backswing when the club al femoral condyle with the knee in the flexed posiis moving slowly (compression 540N). [64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74] Most injuries are the result of being struck any particular instruction to patients, while the reby either a stray golf ball, or getting struck by the mainder told patients to start with short shots and club head of a fellow competitor during their swing. (compression 756N).…”

The “swing-ding”: a golf-related head injury in children

“…1,4 Injuries to the head, neck, and face are more common among younger golfers under the age of 15 years than more mature golfers. 3 All children in our series were struck in the head by a golf club. Of the 13 injured children in our study, most sustained compound depressed skull fractures from the impact of the swinging club.…”