Fractures in Children Aged 0-12 Years and their Management as seen in North Central Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Childhood injuries are often associated with fractures, and it is said to account for about 25% of all paediatrics trauma. There is a male preponderance and the peak incidence occurs among primary and secondary school age groups. The occurrence and management of these fractures are influenced by season, geographical location, educational and socio-economic status of the populace as well as time of presentation and availability of suitable facilities for treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the demographic characteristics of the subjects, aetiological factors, fracture distribution, educational and occupational status of their parents, mode of treatment and their outcomes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We carried out a prospective study on children 0-12 years of age at the University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria, with fractures who consented to the study from January 2013 to December, 2016. Eight-six children were recruited through the Accident and Emergency Department. Diagnosis was made by both clinical and radiological assessment. They were managed by either non-operative or operative modality. Their complications were also managed. Their follow-up was for 12 months.

RESULTS: A total of 86 children with 86 fractures were enrolled with mean age of 7 years and male/female ratio of 2:1. The main aetiological factors were road traffic accidents (52.4% from cars, motorcycle and tricycle), followed by falls from heights (40.0%). Forearm bone fractures were the commonest (30.2%). Non-operative modality dominated the management (72.1%). Complication rate was 20.4%.

CONCLUSION: Fractures in children have a male prepon-derance with the radius being most commonly involved. Non-operative management was the main modality of treatment.