The prevalence of internal orthopedic fixation devices in children in the United States, 1988.

This study provides the first estimated prevalence of implanted orthopedic fixation devices (e.g., pins or wires) among children in the United States, based on the Medical Device Implant Supplement to the 1988 National Health Interview Survey. The overall prevalence was 27 per 10,000 children younger than 18 years; prevalence was highest (59/10,000) among those aged 12 to 17 years. The lower extremities were the most frequent body site (43%) and injury was the leading specific reason for implantation (37%). Some (10%) were replacement implants.