The initial analysis of pediatric fractures according to the AO/OTA fracture classification and mechanisms of injuries

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of pediatric fractures has been changing timely, in a multifactorial fashion. The aim of this study was to put forward a recent 5-year epidemiological analysis of pediatric fractures, according to the current AO/OTA fracture classification, in the current decade of action for road safety. METHODS: A total of 3261 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with at least one fracture related with orthopedics and traumatology in a level-one trauma center were included in this retrospective and epidemiological descriptive study. The patients were grouped according to their ages as follows; <2, 2–5.9, 6–9.9, and 10–17.9. The fractures were examined according to the AO/OTA classification. RESULTS: A total of 3396 fractures were present in 3261 patients. The mean age of the patients was 9.8±4.6 (1–17). The number of patients according to the age groups was as follows; 28 (0.008%), 735 (22.53%), 863 (26.47%), and 1635 (50.99%), respectively. The most frequent three fractures according to the AO/OTA fracture classification were; 23 (radius/ulna distal 22.9%), 13 (humerus distal, 13.3%), and 7 (hand/carpal, 12%). About 68.8% and 31.2% of the patients were treated non-surgically and surgically, respectively. Overall mortality rate was 0.1%. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first analysis of pediatric fractures according to the AO/OTA classification, over a 5-year period. As a future prospect, further multicentric epidemiological studies are warranted to constitute a sustainable action plan for the prevention of major traumas.