Patterns of upper and lower limb fractures and the outcomes after management among the pediatric population at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: Primary objective was to determine the pattern of upper and lower limb fractures in the pediatric group at JOOTRH orthopedic ward. Secondary objectives were to determine the prevalence, mechanism of injury and outcome after management of upper and lower limb fractures in the pediatric group.

Design: Cross-sectional study

Setting: JOOTRH surgical ward, orthopedic room

Subjects: Pediatric patients (age 2-17 years) presenting at JOORTH orthopedic ward with a fracture or fractures between July 2018 and September 2018. 11 participants were enrolled.

Results: Most fractures occurred among females (58.3%) as compared to males (41.7%), most fractures were due to RTA, mostly involving girls. Fall from height contributed to most male fractures. The majority occurred on the road, home than school. Lower limb fractures were common as compared to upper limb fractures. Femoral fractures were the commonest lower limb fractures at 91.7%. Skin traction was the primary method of managing femoral fractures; however, 63.6% of them mal united after four weeks of traction, therefore warranted IM nailing. Upper limb, tibial and fibula fractures healed with union. Female gender was most involved due to their high risk of RTA as shown by the study. RTA accounted for lower limb fractures. The difference between the fracture site and age group was also directed by the risk behaviors at different age groups, and according to sex.

Conclusion: There is a changing trend in fractures according to the sex, site, and mechanism of injury, and a high rate of malunion after femoral fractures have been managed by traction.