Epidemiology of Pediatric Elbow Fracture: An Observational Study

Introduction: Pediatric elbow fracture is commonly encountered injury. The epidemiological aspect of this injury has not been studied in our settings. The study presented epidemiological aspect of this injury with the aim of highlighting baseline characteristic of the injury. Methods: This prospective observational study in children under 18 years age presenting to a tertiary care center over a period of 18 months with elbow fractures. For each case, parameters like age, sex, laterality, season, fracture site, type of fracture, etiology of injury, acute complications, and the rate of surgery were recorded, and descriptive statistical analysis was done. Results: Our study of 164 children has shown 78 (47.56%) elbow fractures occurred in the 6–10 year age group, with incidence of 116 (70.73%) in boys. Left-sided fractures was present in 95 (57.92%) and 29 ( 17.68%) injuries occurred during spring. Supracondylar fracture occurred in 119 (72.56%). Fractures were caused by falls on level ground in 80 (48.78%) cases among them 107 (65.24%) occurred at home. Among the elbow fractures presenting to our center 81.70% were treated operatively; 86.11% of lateral condyle and 82.35% supracondylar fracture were managed surgically. Neurovascular injuries were present in 12.80% cases. Conclusion: Pediatric elbow fractures, often a result of falls during play at home, contribute significantly to emergency department visits. The majority involve boys, particularly in the 6 to 10 age group, with a left-hand predominance. Supracondylar fractures are most common followed by lateral condyle. Type 3 supracondylar are associated with neurovascular complication and have very high operative rates.