Epidemiology of Pediatric Forearm Fractures in Washington, DC

• DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e3181f1e837
• Publication Date: 2010-10-12T11:27:04Z
• Authors: Leticia Manning Ryan; Stephen J. Teach; Kimberle Searcy; Steven A. Singer; Rachel Wood; Joseph L. Wright; James M. Chamberlain
• Keywords: Male; Adolescent; Infant; Ulna Fractures; 3. Good health; Cohort Studies; 03 medical and health sciences; Age Distribution; 0302 clinical medicine; Socioeconomic Factors; Risk Factors; Child, Preschool; District of Columbia; 11. Sustainability; Humans; Female; Seasons; Sex Distribution; Child; Radius Fractures; Retrospective Studies

Background: Pediatric forearm fractures result in substantial morbidity and costs. Despite the success of public health efforts prevention other injuries, incidence pediatric is increasing. Our objective to characterize epidemiology Washington, DC, children evaluated an urban emergency department (ED). Methods: This retrospective study includes children, aged 0 years 17 years, treated for isolated fracture Children's National Medical Center ED from 2003 2006. Patients with bone mineralization disorders repeat visits same event were excluded. Chart review was done obtain demographic clinical data. Descriptive epidemiologic bivariate analyses conducted. Results: preliminary analysis included 929 patients. The majority patients are male (64%) African American (80%). mean age (± standard deviation) 8.4 (±3.9). Weight-for-age percentile ≥95% 24.1% cases. Most occurred during spring season. most common mechanism injury fall-related (83%) whereas direct trauma caused 10% fractures. "Fall monkey bars" specific 17% all (58%) resulted minor trauma. Conclusions: Falls bars implicated childhood strategies should target playground safety. Further research needed evaluate factors, including obesity health, which may contribute risk associated