OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of victims of powdered glass-coated (manja) kite line injuries admitted to a trauma hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of victims with powdered glass-coated kite line injuries between 2005 and 2009. Data were obtained retrospectively from medical records. Central tendency and comparison of ratios were used to characterize victims. RESULTS: 211 victims were admitted between 2005 and 2009, 94% of which males. The majority of cases occurred in June and July (37% e 41.7%, respectively). Mean age was 15 years, with no difference between men and women. For the group of victims as a whole, upper limbs were the most prevalent site of injury, although neck and face injuries were the main site of injury among motorcyclists and cyclists. Two deaths (0.95%) were identified, both in motorcyclists, due to injury to neck structures. Residences were concentrated in three administrative areas (East, Northeast and South-central). CONCLUSION: Although the majority of injuries recorded were not severe, fatal injuries can occur, mainly among motorcyclists. Educational and preventive measures are needed to avoid potentially fatal injuries.
Epidemiology; Kite-line; Morbidity; Mortality; Wounds and injuries; Hospital emergency service
