Clinical Features and Age-Related Injury Patterns of Fall-Related Trauma in Children Aged 0–36 Months

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of fall-related emergency department presentations in children aged 0–36 months, to describe age-related injury patterns, and to assess the diagnostic approaches used.Material and Methods: This study was designed as a cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective chart review. Children under 36 months of age who presented to the emergency department due to falls between January 2024 and December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, injury site, diagnostic evaluations, type of injury, and clinical outcomes were obtained from the electronic medical record system. Forensic cases and non-fall-related traumas were excluded. For statistical analysis, categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test, and the results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 161 patients were included; the mean age was 17.27±7.58 months, and 60.2% were male. Presentations increased during summer months. The most common injury site was the head (50.9%), followed by upper (23.6%) and lower extremities (14.3%). Head injuries predominated in the 0–12-month group (74.5%), whereas upper extremity injuries were more common in the 13–24-month group (31.5%). Imaging was performed in 68.9% of patients, most frequently plain radiography. The fracture rate was 13%, with upper extremity fractures being the most common. Most patients (95%) were discharged with outpatient management, and serious injuries were infrequent.Conclusion: Falls constitute a significant cause of emergency department visits in children aged 0–36 months but generally follow a mild clinical course. Age-dependent injury patterns reflect developmental motor differences. The low rate of serious injury suggests that most falls in this age group are associated with relatively low-energy mechanisms. These findings contribute to a better understanding of fall-related injuries in early childhood and highlight the importance of caregiver awareness and home safety measures.