Title : Trends in paediatric distal radius fractures
Abstract:
Distal radius fractures in children are common and several studies suggest incidence is increasing. The study investigated if incidence of distal radius fractures in children is rising and if fracture type and rate of surgical intervention has changed. All paediatric patients(n=6529) who sustained a distal radius fracture over an 8-year period (2007-2014) were identified. Poisson regression modelling was used to identify change in trends. There was no change in incidence, rate of surgical intervention(p=0.36) or fracture type(p=0.70). Overall incidence was 337 fractures per 100,000pt/years. Highest fracture incidence was seen in older school boys (708 per 100,000pt/years). Overall fracture rate was lower in winter (p<0.005). Fracture rate in our unit is comparable to other studies and not increasing. Incidence is highest in summer, and the main variation is related to season. This data can help accurately predict number of children presenting to ED with wrist fractures per time of year.
What will audience learn from your presentation?
- This piece of work will help understand the incidence and trends of distal radius fractures in the paediatric population. We describe the nature of this injury in terms of incidence, seasonality, days of the week, age and location over an 8-year period.
- In this large study of UK paediatric distal radius fracture epidemiology we have investigated trends which provide helpful new evidence for healthcare planning and injury prevention. This data can help accurately predict the likely number of children presenting to emergency departments with wrist fractures at a particular time of year. This helps to plan and utilise healthcare resources more efficiently and target preventative strategies effectively.
