Citation

Tandon T, Shaik M, Modi N. J. Orthop. Surg. (Hong Kong) 2007; 15(1): 41-45.

Affiliation

Department of Orthopaedics, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17429116

Abstract

PURPOSES. To identify the epidemiology of paediatric trauma in an urban scenario of India and compare results with studies from developed countries, and to formulate preventive measures to decrease such traumas. METHODS. Between January 2004 and 2005 inclusive, 500 paediatric, orthopaedic trauma patients presenting to our hospital were prospectively studied. Information was recorded in a prescribed proforma. RESULTS. The children's ages ranged from 0 to 16 years; 274 were males. Most fractures occurred in children aged 7 to 12 years and decreased in older children. The ratio of fractures in left versus right upper extremity was 2:1. In children aged 0 to 6 years, the most common injured site was the elbow, whereas in children aged 7 to 16 years it was the distal radius. In descending order, most injuries were sustained at home (47%), in school (21%), due to sports (17%), and due to vehicular accidents (13%). CONCLUSION. An effective accident prevention programme in developing countries requires changes in lifestyle and environment, and overcoming obstacles such as ignorance, illiteracy, and inadequate resources.

Language: en