Sturgeons versus surgeons: Leaping fish injuries at a level I trauma center

Abstract

We have recently noted an increase in patients injured by an unusual mechanism and source: leaping sturgeon. We present our experience with eight cases of sturgeon related injuries. Between January 2006 and June 2007, there were eight patients evaluated at our Level I trauma center for sturgeon related injuries. Injuries included isolated fractures, liver lacerations, severe facial trauma, and a closed head injury. The overall length of stay was 6 days (range 0-20) and 50 per cent of patients required an intensive care unit stay. For comparative purposes, injuries were classified as primary sturgeon injuries (injuries where the sturgeon directly impacted the patient) and secondary sturgeon injuries (injuries related to the sturgeon but not resultant from direct impact). There were five primary injuries and three secondary injuries in our series. Patients with secondary injuries had a longer length of stay (12 days vs 3 days) and a higher intensive care unit utilization (100 % vs 20%) when compared with patients having primary injuries. This is the first report of sturgeon-related injuries in the medical literature. These peculiar insults seem to have increased in recent years. Public awareness and proper boat safety are vital in reducing the number and severity of these incidents.