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Occult fractures in preschool children
1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.
The Journal of Trauma
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Radiographs of acutely limping infants and toddlers revealed fractures in 20% of cases. The study recommends imaging the pelvis and both lower extremities, including feet, for suspected occult trauma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Orthopedic Trauma
Background:
- A limp in infants and toddlers can indicate underlying fractures.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and common sites of fractures in acutely limping young children.
- To evaluate the diagnostic yield of radiographic examinations in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 500 consecutive radiographic examinations.
- Inclusion of infants and toddlers presenting with acute limping.
Main Results:
- Fractures were identified in 100 out of 500 (20%) children.
- Most common fracture sites included tibia/fibula (56 cases) and femur (30 cases).
- Pelvic and foot fractures, particularly metatarsals (11 cases), were also observed.
Conclusions:
- Fractures are a significant cause of acute limping in young children.
- Radiographs of the pelvis and both lower extremities, including the feet, are recommended when occult trauma is suspected and clinical localization is difficult.