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Pathologic fractures of long bones in Nigerian children

Akinyele Lawrence Akinyoola1, Elkanah Ayodele Orimolade, Moruf Babatunde Yusuf

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, aakinyoola@yahoo.co.uk.

Journal of Children'S Orthopaedics
|March 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

In African children, chronic osteomyelitis is the primary cause of pathologic fractures, differing from Western populations. This study highlights the need for improved management of bone infections in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Bone Pathology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Pathologic fractures cause significant morbidity in children.
  • Data on the causes and patterns of pediatric fractures in Africa is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the aetiology and patterns of pathologic fractures in Nigerian children.
  • To compare findings with those in Caucasian populations.

Main Methods:

  • A combined retrospective and prospective study was conducted.
  • 47 children aged 15 and below with pathologic long bone fractures were analyzed.
  • Data was collected from January 2000 to December 2006 at a Nigerian teaching hospital.

Main Results:

  • The most affected bones were the femur, tibia, and humerus.
  • Chronic osteomyelitis, resulting from inadequately treated acute osteomyelitis, was the leading cause (74.5%).
  • The mean fracture union time was 6.8 months, with a 91.4% satisfactory outcome.

Conclusions:

  • The aetiology of pathologic fractures in African children differs from that in Caucasian children.
  • Inadequately treated acute osteomyelitis leading to chronic osteomyelitis remains a major issue.
  • Effective management of pediatric bone infections is crucial in this region.
Abstract

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