Epidemiological characteristics of pediatrics fracture at tertiary care hospital, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Childhood fracture resulting from trauma has become a major cause of morbidity, disability and socio-economic burden worldwide as well as Malaysia. So, we aim to assess the various epidemiological parameters that influence the etiology of fracture among the pediatrics population at Melaka, Malaysia and to establish data to develop effective preventive strategies.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted at Melaka General Hospital, Melaka from January 2013 to December 2013. There were total 369 pediatrics fracture cases admitted to MGH during study period.Results: Among 369 cases, (64.2%) of cases were found among school going age followed by (30.9%) among toddler and (4.9%) of cases among infant. (69.6%) of cases were males and most of them were Malay (87.3%) The incidents occurred mostly in evening around 6pm most significantly in between 10 am to 11 pm. The most common place of injury was at home (40.4%) and fall (77.2%) is the most common mechanism of injury. Left upper extremity involved majority of facture and common site of injuries were around elbow. Epiphyseal injuries account for (9.4 %) and among them distal radius epiphyseal injury account for (68.6 %) which is statically significant (P=0.00).Conclusions: We concluded that the common mechanism of fracture was fall, (low energy trauma) occurred at home involving left upper extremity around elbow. We believed that community based education by health care professionals and paediatricians on prevention strategies can be instrumental in reducing the incidence of paediatric fractures.