Losing more than just weight:
A systematic review of treadmill friction burns in children.
Constant Van Schalkwyk1, Bishoy Soliman1, 1Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Abstract
This systematic review aims to evaluate the incidence, demographics, severity, risk factors, and management of paediatric friction burns resulting from treadmill injuries. These injuries can be devastating for children and their families and result in significant morbidity and a high burden on healthcare resources.
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Embase electronic databases. Studies published from 1946 to 2023, reporting paediatric treadmill-related friction burns, were included. The search identified a total of 17 studies, from 1991 to 2022, that included 689 patients.
The findings suggest that friction burns resulting from treadmill injuries are more common in children under the age of six, with the most affected body regions being the hands and feet. The severity of the injury ranged from superficial to full thickness burns. Initial treatment modalities ranged from conservative wound management to early surgical intervention. Subsequent treatment included laser, triamcinolone, and surgical scar release. Risk factors identified included lack of adult supervision, inappropriate use of the treadmill, and lack of safety measures such as emergency stop buttons.
Preventive strategies such as adequate adult supervision, appropriate safety measures, and educational campaigns are recommended to reduce the incidence of treadmill-related friction burns in children.
Biography
Constant Van Schalkwyk is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Registrar from Sydney, New South Wales.