Pattern of Childhood Fractures in a Developing Country

INTRODUCTION: Trauma is a major cause of childhood morbidity, and pattern of fractures in children is related to socioeconomic and environment factors. We conducted this study to look at fracture pattern of children in a developing country. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Children aged 12 and below who attended paediatric orthopaedic out-patient clinic between July 2009 and March 2010 were enrolled for the study. Information was collected by interview that was based on a questionnaire. RESULTS: There were 260 children in the study, and 72.3% were boys. The most common bone fractured was the radius and/or ulnar (41.9%), followed by the humerus (27.7%) and tibia/fibula (7.7). Most common place for fracture to happen was at home (35.5%), followed by in the parks (17.3%) and at school (15.7%). Road traffic accident only contributed 9.2% of all the fractures. Of the 25 fractures due to road traffic accidents, 16 involved the use of vehicles. About one third (36.73%) of the injuries were not witnessed. One quarter (24.9%) were witnessed by parents and one fifth (17.1%) witnessed by siblings. Conclusion: Upper limb are more commonly fractures than lower limbs. Measures to reduce the problem should start at home by creating higher awareness on injury prevention among the parents