Demographic Characteristics and Features of Long Bone Fractures in Children in Southern Province: A Pilot Study.

Abstract

Background: Fractures in pediatric patients is a significant public health issue. The causative factors for long bone fractures (LBF) are accidental or non-accidental in nature. In children, even minor falls can result in fractures thereby difficult to identify the etiology. Objective: To identify the demographic characteristics and features of LBF in pediatric patients from selected hospitals from Southern province

Methods: A cross-sectional study (pilot study) was conducted among conveniently selected 100 children who are admitted to three selected hospitals in Southern province. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered and data were analyzed using SPSS 28.0. The Chi-square test used for analyzed level of association.

Results: Children’s age range was between 2 months-18 years. Most of them (55%) were between 7-13 years. Seventy-six were male children. Majority had simple fractures (93%). The commonest fracture site (39%) was the humerus and when the shape of the fracture was considered the majority (44%) had greenstick fractures and only 2% had spiral fractures. The common causes for LBF were accidental falls (70%) followed by RTA (17%) and sports (3%). Left site of the body is common site for LBF (53%). Male children (42%) significantly more likely to have fractures in humerus (p=0.032) and female have in radius (33.3%). Significantly male children (p=0.003) are more like to have greenstick fractures (49.3%) and female children (p=0.004) have transverse fractures (52%). While the 7-13 age of participants was significantly associated with greenstick fractures (p=0.026) and female gender of participants was significantly associated with accidental fall (p=0.049).

Conclusions: The overall occurrence of LBFs among paediatric participants are common among males (76%). The LBF was common in humeral bone and the commonest type is greenstick fracture following an accidental fall.