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Published on: October 10, 2020
Epidemiology of paediatric elbow fractures: a retrospective multi-centre study of 488 fractures
H Okubo1, M Nakasone1, M Kinjo1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Japan.
Insights
Paediatric elbow fractures are common, particularly supracondylar fractures in boys aged 6-10. Skateboarding and caster-boarding are increasingly frequent causes, necessitating preventive measures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Elbow fractures are a frequent pediatric injury, often sustained during routine activities.
- Understanding the epidemiology of these fractures is crucial for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of pediatric elbow fractures over a two-year period in Okinawa, Japan.
- To identify common fracture types, age distribution, seasonal incidence, and etiological factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 488 pediatric elbow fractures (children <15 years) across 11 hospitals in Okinawa.
- Data collected included patient demographics, fracture type, operative treatment rates, injury mechanisms, and etiology.
- Study design classified as Level IV, case series.
Main Results:
- The peak age for fractures was 6 years, with 47.5% occurring in children aged 6-10 years.
- Boys had a 1.6 times higher fracture rate than girls. May showed the highest incidence, August the lowest.
- Supracondylar fractures were most common (44%), followed by lateral condyle fractures (22%). Skateboarding/caster-boarding accounted for 19% of fractures in the 6-10 age group.
Conclusions:
- Supracondylar fractures are prevalent in young boys (4-7 years).
- Skateboarding and caster-boarding are identified as significant and rising causes of elbow fractures in children aged 6-10.
- The findings highlight the need for implementing preventive measures to reduce the incidence of these injuries.
Purpose:
Elbow fractures are common in children and occur during daily activities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology of paediatric elbow fractures over a two-year period in Okinawa, a southern subtropical island in Japan.
Methods:
This was a retrospective study of 488 elbow fractures in children younger than 15 years old treated at 11 hospitals in Okinawa. Data included age, gender, calendar month, type of fracture, operation rate, mechanism of injury, and aetiology.
Results:
The most frequent age was 6 years old, with 47.5% of all elbow fractures occurring in an age range from 6 to 10 years old. The fracture rate for boys was 1.6 times higher than that for girls. The incidence was the highest in May (56 fractures) and the lowest in August (25 fractures). Supracondylar fractures were the most common type (44%), followed by lateral condyle fractures (22%); 45% of all fractures were treated operatively. Medial epicondyle fractures had the highest rate of operative treatment (91%). In the 6 to 10-year-old group, 19% of all fractures occurred while skateboarding or caster-boarding, the most frequent aetiology.
Conclusions:
Supracondylar fractures are the most common fracture type in 4 to 7-year-old boys. In the 6 to 10-year-old group, skateboarding and caster-boarding are the most frequent and increasing cause of elbow fractures. Therefore, some preventive measures are needed.
Level Of Evidence:
Level IV, case series.
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