Caracterización de las fracturas en la población pediátrica: estudio multicéntrico colombiano

Introduction

Fractures in children are a public health problem and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to carry out a demographic and clinical characterization of the fractures in children treated in two hospitals of different regions of Colombia.

Materials and methods

Descriptive, retrospective study by searching for ICD-10 diagnosis codes and reviewing medical records. Univariate data analysis, expressing the quantitative variables in absolute values and measures of central tendency and the qualitative variables in tables of frequencies and percentages.

Results

The annual incidence of pediatric fractures in the regional hospital was 61.34 / 10,000 and in the pediatric hospital 9.16 / 10,000, with the highest peaks around school holidays. Male sex predominated, left laterality and the age group most affected was 4-7 years. Fractures of the distal radius, supracondylar humerus, and diaphyseal ulna and radius were the most frequent. Falls from standing height were the most common injury mechanism, yet traffic accidents were a major cause of fractures in the regional hospital. Conservative management was the most used.

Discussion

There is agreement with other studies regarding the predominance of males, falls, and upper limb involvement in pediatric fractures. However, there are some differences depending onthe time of year and geographic region. Knowing the characteristics of pediatric fractures is essential to develop preventive strategies.

Level of evidence: IV.