Limb fracture pattern in different pediatric age groups: a study of 3,350 children

The fracture patterns of 3,350 children with 3,413 limb fractures admitted to one center from 1986 to 1990 were analyzed retrospectively. The overall boy-to-girl ratio was 2.7:1, rising to 5.5:1 in the adolescent group. Distal radius fracture was the most common fracture (19.87%), followed by supracondylar fracture of the humerus (16.64%) and forearm shaft fracture (13.36%). Specific age group breakdown showed that supracondylar fracture of the humerus was the most common fracture occurring in the age groups 0 to 3 years and 4 to 7 years, accounting for 28.94 and 31.18% of all limb fractures, respectively. Fracture of the distal radius occurred in 27.06% of the 8 to 11 year age group and 23.31% of the 12 to 16 year group. Open fractures were uncommon (2.17%), and greenstick fractures were found only in 5.27% of this hospital series. The nondominant arm was found to have more fractures although the number was not statistically significant. Seasonal variation in incidence occurred, with more cases in the summer and autumn months. The open reduction rate in the treatment varied from 10.15% in the 0 to 3 year age group to 33.95% in the 12 to 16 year group. Forty-five percent of the 0 to 3 year age group were discharged from hospital within 24 h, contrasting with 30% in the other age groups. Overall incidence of fractures requiring hospital treatment was estimated to range from 35 per 10,000 in the 0 to 3 year age group to 62, 60, and 57 per 10,000 in the 4 to 7, 8 to 11, and 12 to 16 year groups, respectively.