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Pediatric hand fractures: a review.
R C Mahabir1, A R Kazemi, W G Cannon
1University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|July 5, 2001
Summary
Pediatric hand fractures are most common in 12-year-olds, often caused by sports, with the fifth metacarpal frequently affected. Most fractures heal well, but understanding causes can help prevent future injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Traumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hand fractures are common injuries in children.
- Understanding their incidence and causes is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, causes, and characteristics of hand fractures in pediatric patients.
- To inform strategies for reducing the occurrence of these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 232 pediatric patients (242 fractures) under 16.
- Data collected included age, gender, injury location, mechanism, and fracture specifics.
- Exclusion of radiographs with unclear details or incomplete records.
Main Results:
- Incidence peaked at age 12, with sports as the most common cause.
- The fifth metacarpal was the most frequently fractured bone.
- Salter-Harris type II fractures were the most common epiphyseal type, and most fractures healed within 2-3 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric hand fractures, while common, generally have excellent outcomes.
- Epidemiological data is vital for developing effective injury prevention strategies.
- Further research can guide measures to decrease the incidence of pediatric hand fractures.