[Epidemiology of fractures in Japanese children and adolescents].

A population-based survey regarding fractures in Japanese children and adolescents (55,464 children, males 27,811, females 27,653) was conducted in 2001. Seven-hundred and seventy-three fractured cases (total: 1.4%, males: 527 cases <1.9%>, females: 246 cases <0.9%>) were registered. The peak age-sex-specific incidences occurred at 7th-8th grade (ages 12 to 13 years) for males, and at 5th-6th grade (ages 10 to 11 years) for females, which was matched by the age of growth spurt. Furthermore, the incidences had a monthly variation, with peaks in spring and autumn. Fracture of upper limb (finger, radius, humerus-scapula) accounted for more than 60%, totally (males: 62.2%, females: 70.4%). This data may contribute preventing fractures in Japanese children and adolescents.