Childhood fractures treated in the operating room at the Mother and Child University Hospital Jeanne Ebori Foundation of Libreville between 2019 and 2023

Childhood fractures represent a significant public health concern, accounting for 10-25% of pediatric injuries in industrialized countries. This retrospective study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profile of pediatric fractures treated surgically at the Jeanne Ebori Mother-Child University Hospital, Libreville, Gabon, from 2019 to 2023. A total of 87 patients aged 0-15 years were included, with a male predominance (62.1%) and a mean age of 93±39 months. Play-related accidents were the leading cause (77%), and upper limb fractures were most frequent, particularly forearm (48.3%) and supracondylar humerus fractures (92.3% of humerus fractures). Closed fractures accounted for 89.7% of cases. Surgical interventions included open surgery (69%), elastic stable intramedullary nailing (16.1%), and closed percutaneous pinning (19.5%). The median hospital stay was 5 days, with uncomplicated postoperative outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of structured surgical management and provide baseline data for improving pediatric fracture care in Gabon.