Epidemiology of emergency department visits for injuries associated with riding lawn mowers, United States, 2002-2007

Objective: To examine injuries among patients treated in an emergency department related use of a riding lawn mower.

Methods: Data were obtained from the 2002-2007 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. National estimates of emergency department (ED) visits associated with the use of a riding lawn mower were analyzed. Narrative text entries were categorized to provide a detailed record of the circumstances precipitating the injury. Average annual rates were calculated and logistic regression analyses were employed to determine risk estimates for patient disposition and demographic characteristics related to ED visits for injuries associated with riding mowers.

Results: From 2002 through 2007, there were an estimated 68,842 ED visits for injuries related to the use of riding lawnmowers in the U.S., with an average annual rate of 6.2 ED visits per 100,000 males, and 1.7 ED visits per 100,000 females. Older adults had higher rates of ED visits for injuries (7.6/100,000) than younger age groups. The most common injuries involved fractures (17%), contusions (24%) or sprains/strains (21%). The majority of the patients (90%) were treated and released the same day. Results of logistic regression analyses revealed that older adults were more likely to be hospitalized when compared to younger age groups; and incidents involving rollovers were more likely to result in hospitalization (OR 2.6; 95% CI: 1.6-4.4).

Conclusions: Riding mowers present injury patterns and circumstances that are different than those reported for push mowers. Circumstances related to injuries, and age groups affected were varied, making prevention of riding mower injuries challenging.