Use Care and Caution While Mowing the Lawn; Orthopaedic Surgeons Provide Tips for Trimming Lawn Mower Injuries.

ROSEMONT, Ill. -- Do you remember the carefree days of summer and running barefoot with the feel of the cool green grass between your toes? Now, keeping the lawn nice and trim is not the backbreaking chore it used to be, thanks to riding and walk-behind mowers. However, lawn mowers can be dangerous, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) advises people to use extreme caution when operating these tools.

Caring for lawns can be a great form of physical activity that enhances a person's overall health. Unfortunately, thousands of Americans suffer deep cuts and lacerations, sprains and strains, fractures, and even loss of fingers and toes due to improper use of a lawn mower each year. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 230,500 people were treated in doctors' offices, clinics and emergency rooms for lawn mower-related injuries in 2004.

"A lawn mower is not a toy; it can be dangerous if not used properly," said Jeffrey Anglen, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, AAOS Fellow and President-elect of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA). "It's important to follow the proper precautions when using these powerful machines, including teaching kids to stay away from any and all running lawn mowers. Children should never be allowed to ride on the mower, even with parents. If a child loses their natural fear of the mower, the results can be disastrous."

Most injuries sustained from lawn mower use and treated by orthopaedic surgeons are preventable. To trim lawn mower-related injuries, the AAOS recommends the following safety guidelines:

--Read the instruction manual prior to using a lawnmower, especially whenever attempting to repair or maintain the mower. It's also important to pay special attention to specific safety hazards and new features.

--When using a lawn mower for the first time in a season, have it serviced to ensure it's working properly.

--Do not remove safety devices, shields or guards on switches.

--Add fuel before starting the engine, not when it's running or hot.

--Before mowing the lawn, it is very important to conduct a simple walk through of the yard to look for any debris or toys that may interfere with proper operation or may be deflected at you and others near you.

--Use proper techniques for lifting, carrying and bending when removing objects from the yard.

--Be sure the motor is turned off before inspecting or repairing lawn mower equipment. Never try to dislodge dirt or grass from the lawn mower blades while the machine is running. Use a stick or broom handle when removing debris; do not use your hands or feet.

--Never let children go on or near lawn mower equipment. Children should not be in a yard while the lawn is being mowed.

--Wear proper gear while mowing lawn, including protective boots, clothing, safety eyeglasses and shoes. Ear protection may also help protect against hearing damage due to prolonged noise exposure.

--Make sure that you and other adults and children around you are never barefoot when the lawn mower is operational.

--Use caution when mowing hills and slopes. Never use a riding mower for steep hills, and mow across a hill with a push mower instead of upward and downward.

--Mowers are not transportation vehicles. Only one adult should use a riding mower at a time. Children should never be allowed to ride on or drive riding mowers.

--Do not cut the grass when it's wet.

--Do not leave the lawn mower unattended when in use. If you must walk away from the machine, shut off the engine.

--Never consume alcoholic beverages prior to or while mowing the lawn.

For additional lawn mower injury prevention tips and more, please visit the Academy's public and patient education Web site, Your Orthopaedic Connection (www.orthoinfo.org), or call the Public Service line at 800-824-BONES.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

The Orthopaedic Trauma Association (www.ota.org) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes excellence in orthopaedic trauma patient care at hospitals and trauma centers throughout North America. Its members provide worldwide leadership through education, research and patient advocacy.

With more than 29,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) or (www.orthoinfo.org) is the premier not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, champions the interests of patients and advances the highest quality musculoskeletal health. Orthopaedic surgeons and the Academy are the authoritative sources of information for patients and the general public on musculoskeletal conditions, treatments and related issues. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.usbjd.org) - the global initiative in the years 2002-2011 - to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life.

Powered by NewsWire One

To view full electronic news release go to: http://www.newswire1.net/NW2006/C_AOS_CH/AOSmay25/