Tennessee medicine : journal of the Tennessee Medical Association
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All-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding is a popular recreation in the mountainous areas of Southeastern Kentucky, Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee. We hypothesized that admissions for serious injuries have increased among ATV riders. A retrospective data review from a Level 1 trauma center trauma registry presents injury characteristics and outcomes, comparing patients in earlier and later time periods. ⋯ There has been a recent dramatic increase in the number of injured ATV riders requiring admission to the Level I trauma center. Injury severity and outcomes have not changed. Fortunately, pediatric ATV-related admissions have decreased. Trauma centers should continue efforts toward preventive care, teaming with citizens, parents, public officials, and other healthcare providers to combat this epidemic.