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Abstract
A retrospective study of all paediatric fractures presenting to hospital in Edinburgh,
Scotland in 2000 was undertaken. It showed that the incidence of fractures was 20.2/1000/year
and that 61% of children's fractures occurred in males. Analysis of paediatric fractures
shows that there are six basic fracture distribution curves with six fractures showing
a bimodal distribution but most having a unimodal distribution affecting younger or
older children. The incidence of fractures increases with age with falls from below
bed height (<1m) being the commonest cause of fracture. The majority of fractures
in children involve the upper limb. Lower limb fractures are mainly caused by twisting
injuries and road traffic accidents. The incidence of fractures in cyclists and pedestrians
remains relatively high whereas the incidence in vehicle occupants is low suggesting
that road safety programs have been successful. Similar programs should be instituted
for young cyclists. The importance of accident prevention programmes in the home is
also highlighted.