| dc.description.abstract | Musculoskeletal injuries are extremely common in children and may strain health delivery
services. Recognition of the extent and nature of the problem is cardinal in formulation of
preventive strategies and ensuring good treatment outcome.
This prospective hospital-based cross-sectional study aimed to capture various features of
orthopaedic injuries in children. It was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH)
over a period of four months (December 2018-April, 2019). Children aged seventeen years and
below, presenting to UTH with a musculoskeletal injury following trauma were recruited via
convenience sampling. Information regarding demographics, aetiology/ mechanism of injury,
fracture classification, complications, suitable treatment modalities and availability at UTH was
noted on recruitment. Data for 242 participants was analysed.
Results of the study indicated that the peak incidence of orthopaedic injuries was in the 5-10
years group. Male: female ratio was 3:1 and most injuries occurred in the home environment
during play/sport. Complete fracture pattern was predominant and had direct relation with low
socioeconomic status (p value 0.002). We therefore concluded that orthopaedic injuries in
children seen at UTH are mostly complete fractures involving boys and that low socioeconomic
background is an associated risk factor. Fracture complications are rare at presentation and
surgery for definitive management of fractures is not readily available due to equipment
challenges.
Keywords: Musculoskeletal injury, child, mechanism of injury, fracture classification, fall, site
of injury | en |
