Pattern Of Paediatric Fractures Presenting To The Orthopaedic Outpatient Department of A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Objectives - To describe the epidemiological and anatomical pattern of paediatric fractures presenting to the Orthopaedic Outpatient Department of a tertiary care teaching hospital and to assess their distribution according to age, sex, and mechanism of injury. Methods - A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Orthopaedic Outpatient Department of a tertiary care teaching hospital over 3 months. Fifty paediatric patients presenting within 2 weeks of fracture were included, and demographic, injury, radiological, fracture-pattern, and treatment-related data were recorded. Results - Of 50 patients, 34 (68%) were males and 21 (42%) belonged to the school-age group. Upper-limb fractures were predominant (31; 62%), followed by lower-limb (17; 34%) and shoulder-girdle fractures (2; 4%). The humerus was the most commonly involved bone (16%), while metaphyseal fractures predominated (58%). Falls while playing were the leading mechanism (16; 32%), followed by road traffic accidents (9; 18%) and sports injuries (8; 16%). Most fractures were closed (92%) and single (88%), with 64% managed non-operatively. No significant association was observed between fracture location and age (p=0.212), sex (p=0.776), or mechanism of injury (p=0.253).  Conclusion - Paediatric fractures predominantly involved the upper limb and were commonly associated with falls during play. Preventive strategies focusing on safe play, sports safety, parental supervision, and road-safety awareness may help reduce paediatric fracture burden.