T Tandon1, M Shaik, N Modi. 1. Department of Orthopaedics, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. tandon_2004@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract
PURPOSES: To identify the epidemiology of paediatric trauma in an urban scenario of India and compare results with studies from developed countries, and to formulate preventive measures to decrease such traumas. METHODS: Between January 2004 and 2005 inclusive, 500 paediatric, orthopaedic trauma patients presenting to our hospital were prospectively studied. Information was recorded in a prescribed proforma. RESULTS: The children's ages ranged from 0 to 16 years; 274 were males. Most fractures occurred in children aged 7 to 12 years and decreased in older children. The ratio of fractures in left versus right upper extremity was 2:1. In children aged 0 to 6 years, the most common injured site was the elbow, whereas in children aged 7 to 16 years it was the distal radius. In descending order, most injuries were sustained at home (47%), in school (21%), due to sports (17%), and due to vehicular accidents (13%). CONCLUSION: An effective accident prevention programme in developing countries requires changes in lifestyle and environment, and overcoming obstacles such as ignorance, illiteracy, and inadequate resources.
PURPOSES: To identify the epidemiology of paediatric trauma in an urban scenario of India and compare results with studies from developed countries, and to formulate preventive measures to decrease such traumas. METHODS: Between January 2004 and 2005 inclusive, 500 paediatric, orthopaedic traumapatients presenting to our hospital were prospectively studied. Information was recorded in a prescribed proforma. RESULTS: The children's ages ranged from 0 to 16 years; 274 were males. Most fractures occurred in children aged 7 to 12 years and decreased in older children. The ratio of fractures in left versus right upper extremity was 2:1. In children aged 0 to 6 years, the most common injured site was the elbow, whereas in children aged 7 to 16 years it was the distal radius. In descending order, most injuries were sustained at home (47%), in school (21%), due to sports (17%), and due to vehicular accidents (13%). CONCLUSION: An effective accident prevention programme in developing countries requires changes in lifestyle and environment, and overcoming obstacles such as ignorance, illiteracy, and inadequate resources.