Halloween-related injuries include fractures, dislocations, sprains, contusions, lacerations, abrasions and head trauma. To reduce injuries when carving pumpkins, it is important that kids never use carving tools, which are small and can slip from hands easily. Also, to minimize injuries while "trick-or-treating," make sure each child wears lightweight, bright costumes and stays clear of roadways, unlit areas and busy intersections.

"Parents should thoroughly examine all costumes to ensure their children's vision is unobstructed and that they can be viewed from short and long distances," stated James H. Beaty, MD, pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, and Second Vice President of AAOS. "Develop a game plan the night before to establish pre-determined check points and prepare children with information on who to call and where to go in case of an emergency."

AAOS offers the following tips to prevent injuries this Halloween: -- When carving pumpkins, use specifically designed carving knives, rather than kitchen knives. Carving knives are less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin tissue. -- Never let children carve pumpkins. Adults carving pumpkins should remember to always cut in small, controlled strokes, away from themselves. -- Carving knives should be kept in a clean, dry, well-lit area. Any moisture on the tools, hands, or table can cause the knife to slip, leading to injuries. -- Should an individual cut a finger or hand while carving pumpkins, make sure the hand is elevated higher than the heart and apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may be required. -- Halloween costumes should be light and bright, so children are clearly visible to motorists and other pedestrians. Trim costumes and bags with reflective tape that glows in the dark. -- Make sure children wear flame-resistant costumes that fit properly. Costumes that are too long may cause kids to trip and fall. -- Children should wear sturdy, comfortable and slip-resistant shoes. -- Masks can impair a child's vision, so parents may want leave the masks at home and use face makeup instead. -- When "trick-or-treating" children should stay in familiar neighborhoods and be accompanied by an adult at all times. -- It is important that children walk on sidewalks and never cut across yards or driveways. They should also obey all traffic signals and remain in designated crosswalks when crossing the street. -- "Trick-or-treaters" should only approach houses that are well lit. Both children and parents should carry flashlights to see and be seen. -- Parents should consider sending their child to a local Halloween event or holding a neighborhood party to ensure safety. -- If a child has food allergies, make sure to carry the proper medications, as prescribed by his/her physician. -- All treats are to be thoroughly examined by adults -- before being consumed -- for evidence of tampering.

Internet users can find additional safety tips and injury prevention information about Halloween and more in the Prevent Injuries America!(R) Program section of the Academy's web site, http://www.aaos.org/ or http://www.orthoinfo.org/ or call the Academy's Public Service line at 800-824-BONES.

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

With 28,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ( http://www.aaos.org/ ) or ( http://www.orthoinfo.org/ ), is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade ( http://www.usbjd.org/ ), the global initiative in the years 2002-2011 to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health to stimulate research and improve people's quality of life. President Bush has declared the years 2002-2011 National Bone and Joint Decade in support of these objectives. The AAOS will celebrate its 75th Anniversary at our 2008 Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Visit ( http://www.aaos.org/75years ) and be a part of our history!