Fractures in Children Aged 0-12 Years and their Management as seen in North Central Nigeria

Childhood injuries are often associated with fractures, and it is said to account for about 25% of all paediatrics trauma. There is a male preponderance and the peak incidence occurs among primary and secondary school age groups. The occurrence and management of these fractures are influenced by season, geographical location, educational and socio-economic status of the populace as well as time of presentation and availability of suitable facilities for treatment.

To analyse the demographic characteristics of the subjects, aetiological factors, fracture distribution, educational and occupational status of their parents, mode of treatment and their outcomes.

We carried out a prospective study on children 0-12 years of age at the University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria, with fractures who consented to the study from January 2013 to December, 2016. Eight-six children were recruited through the Accident and Emergency Department. Diagnosis was made by both clinical and radiological assessment. They were managed by either non-operative or operative modality. Their complications were also managed. Their follow-up was for 12 months.

A total of 86 children with 86 fractures were enrolled with mean age of 7 years and male/female ratio of 2:1. The main aetiological factors were road traffic accidents (52.4% from cars, motorcycle and tricycle), followed by falls from heights (40.0%). Forearm bone fractures were the commonest (30.2%). Non-operative modality dominated the management (72.1%). Complication rate was 20.4%.

Fractures in children have a male prepon-derance with the radius being most commonly involved. Non-operative management was the main modality of treatment.