This article warns about the serious accidents caused by chair falls, impacting both adults and children. Through two typical cases, the article emphasizes the importance of timely first aid and proper treatment to avoid dangerous complications.
Mr. T.V.Đ. (64 years old, Long An Province) and Ms. K. (3 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) are two typical victims of household accidents caused by chair falls. One is an elderly person, and the other is a young child, both requiring emergency hospitalization due to severe injuries.
Serious Shoulder Injury in an Adult
Mr. T.V.Đ. fell from a high chair, causing a severe impact to his left shoulder. Initial checks did not reveal any bone fractures, and he was only prescribed pain medication. However, his pain progressively worsened, to the point where he couldn’t lift his left arm, significantly impacting his daily life.
MRI results showed complete inflammation and tear in the supraspinatus tendon, infraspinatus tendon, anterior labral tear, and a partial tear in the biceps tendon. Dr. Trần Quang Nhật explained that the simultaneous tear of both rotator cuff tendons seriously affected the shoulder joint function of the patient.
Doctors decided to perform arthroscopic surgery to repair the labrum and rotator cuff tendon of Mr. Đ.’s left shoulder. This method reduced pain, minimized infection risks, and accelerated recovery. After surgery and physical therapy, Mr. Đ. regained light movement in his left arm, and his pain significantly subsided.
Dr. Nhật also noted that pain in the shoulder’s outer part, radiating down the arm but not to the elbow, possibly extending to the neck, and causing muscle weakness, are characteristic signs of rotator cuff injuries.
Broken Arm in a Child
The case of Ms. K. (3 years old) serves as another cautionary tale. She was brought to the emergency room with a deformed right forearm after falling from a high chair.
X-rays revealed a complete fracture of both bones in Ms. K.’s right forearm. Dr. Nguyễn Xuân Trường performed surgical fixation of the bones under a bright light to reduce pain and accelerate recovery. After a week, the bone healing process was observed, and she could begin physical therapy.
Preventing Chair-Related Injuries
These two cases highlight the potential for serious injuries from chair falls, especially in older adults and young children.
For older adults:
- Exercise caution when using high chairs, especially those with pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions.
- Ensure the chair is stable and provides adequate support.
- If experiencing prolonged shoulder pain after an accident, seek immediate medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
For children:
- Do not allow children to play on high chairs unsupervised.
- Use safe and non-slip chair designs.
- If a child falls and experiences severe pain, deformity in limbs, take them to the hospital immediately.
- Parents should be aware of unusual signs, such as severe crying, increasing pain with movement, bruising at the injured area, or unusual limb bending, to seek timely medical attention.
Conclusion
Chair falls can have serious consequences, impacting the health and daily lives of both adults and children. Early recognition of injury symptoms and prompt treatment are crucial. Furthermore, raising injury prevention awareness is essential for protecting oneself and one’s family. Always exercise caution and create a safe environment to avoid unfortunate incidents.
