Tree stand falls: A persistent cause of neurological injury in hunting

Table 1 Demographics and categorization of injuries

Metric	If not specified (n = 54)
Age (years with range)	47.9 (15–69)
Male gender	(96)
Average fall (ft with range)	18.2 (4–40)
Average length of stay	6.56 ± 1.07
Disposition
Home	(72)
Home with services	(11)
Rehabilitation	(17)

Table 2 Reasons reported cause of falls n (%)

Reported reason	Falls (n = 13)
Tree stand construction	3 (23)
Loss of balance	3 (23)
Falling asleep	3 (23)
Structural failure	2 (15)
Lightheadedness	1 (8)
Other	1 (8)

Table 3 Neurological injuries resulting from tree stand falls

Injury	Patients (n = 54)
Spinal column	(54)
Cervical spine	(69)
Thoracic spine	(38)
Lumbar spine	(21)
Requiring surgery	(15)
Cranial vault/brain	(22)

Table 4 Non-neurological injuries resulting from tree stand falls n (%)

Injury	Patients (n = 54)
Orthopedic
Upper extremity	10 (19)
Lower extremity	13 (24)
Hip/pelvis	6 (11)
Abdominal
Liver	2 (4)
Kidney	3 (6)
Spleen	5 (9)
Other	2 (4)
Thoracic
Pulmonary contusion	4 (7)
Pneumo-/hemothorax	10 (19)
Rib fractures	22 (41)
Clavicle fracture	3 (6)
Scapula fracture	1 (2)
Sternal fracture	3 (6)