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Differences in childhood adiposity influence upper limb fracture site
Rebecca J Moon1, Adelynn Lim2, Megan Farmer2
1Paediatric Endocrinology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
Bone
|June 2, 2015
Summary
Overweight and obesity in children are linked to different upper limb fracture sites. Forearm fractures showed higher adiposity and overweight/obesity prevalence, particularly in boys.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern.
- Previous research suggests a link between overweight/obesity and fracture risk.
- Obesity-fracture risk may vary by bone site, as seen in adult studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if adiposity and overweight/obesity prevalence differ by upper limb fracture site in children.
- To compare anthropometric data across hand, forearm, and upper arm/shoulder fractures.
Main Methods:
- Measured height, weight, BMI, and skinfold thickness (SFT) in 401 children (3-18 years) with upper limb fractures.
- Compared data across hand, forearm, and upper arm/shoulder (UA) fracture sites.
- Compared findings to published UK population data.
Main Results:
- Forearm fractures were associated with higher weight, BMI, SFT, and fat percentage z-scores compared to UA fractures.
- Overweight/obesity prevalence was significantly higher in children with forearm fractures (37.6%) than UA fractures (19.0%).
- These differences were observed in boys but not girls.
Conclusions:
- Adiposity and overweight/obesity prevalence vary by upper limb fracture site in children.
- Forearm fractures are more common in overweight/obese children, especially boys.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering fracture site when assessing obesity-related risks in pediatric fractures.
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