Trauma is an important worldwide public health problem due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. This study considered only musculoskeletal traumas in patients under the age of 18 years old, assisted in an emergency room of a hospital in the city of São Paulo, within the period of October 2000 and June 2001, totaling 340 protocols. The objective of the study was to allow a better knowledge about trauma characteristics, providing an appropriate healthcare planning, costs reduction, and the establishment of preventive measures. The injuries found were divided into mild or severe. The scholar age group was the most affected one, totaling 40% of the care provided, with falls being the main trauma mechanism found. The most favorable environment for accidents was home, and the ends were the most affected parts of the body, both in cases of mild and severe trauma. Approximately 64% of the cases were mild. The most common kinds of trauma were contusions, followed by fractures and sprains. Among the infants, the major trauma mechanisms are traction, pressure and aggressions, mostly performed by their own relatives. It was concluded that even if the child is followed up by an adult, this cannot avoid the occurrence of accidents, or interfere on trauma severity.
Trauma; Accidents Prevention; Accidents at Home; Accidental Falls
