student research day - Case Western Reserve University School of ...

Arthur Wang
Mechanisms of Golf-related head injuries in the pediatric population
Arthur Wang, Dr. Shenandoah Robinson and Dr. Alan R. Cohen
Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery
Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital
As the international popularity of golf has grown over the years, so has the number of golf-associated head
injuries. These head injuries frequently involve individuals being struck in the head by a swinging golf club or high
velocity golf ball while observing another person playing. Many of these injuries typically require immediate
neurosurgical intervention. However, even with timely treatment, some patients suffer severe intracranial injuries
that lead to long term neurological deficits. Although all age groups have seen a rise in golf head injuries, children
have one of the highest rates of head trauma from golfing accidents. The goals of our study were to identify
potential risk factors for golf head injuries and understand the mechanism and severity behind golf club, golf cart
and golf ball head injuries. A retrospective review of the patient’s existing hospital and outpatient clinic charts,
operative reports and radiographic images was conducted. In addition, a telephone interview and questionnaire
will be administered for each patient to understand the circumstances and mechanisms behind their injury. Using
this information, we will attempt to look for correlations between our variables. Between the years 1997 and 2008,
22 patients were treated at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital for golf related neurosurgical injuries. The
average age of our patients was 7.8 years with a male:female ratio of 2:1. 14 of the 22 patients were injured after
being struck by a golf club, 4 were injured by a golf ball and another 4 were injured after falling from a golf
cart. Of the injuries seen, 15 patients suffered skull fractures and 7 suffered intracranial hemorrhages. An
interesting finding seen was that July and August were the two months when the majority of injuries took place.
Although this study is not finished, we can conclude that golf related head injuries is a novel but serious
mechanism of neurological injury in children and adolescents. Children are especially susceptible because of their
yet fully developed understanding of the dangers of wielding a golf club. Future injuries can be prevented with
vigilant monitoring on the part of parents and a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding these
injuries.
Supported by Crile Fellowship
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