Temporal characteristics of paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures

Abstract

Objective: Supracondylar humeral fractures are the most common elbow injury occurring in the paediatric population, accounting for 55–80% of all elbow fractures and 3–18% of all paediatric fractures. They occur most commonly due to a fall from play equipment or furniture. This study aims to determine if any relationship exists between supracondylar humeral fractures and any temporal or injury characteristics. It was hypothesised that an increased incidence of supracondylar fractures would be observed in summer months and on weekends.

Methods: All patients <18 years of age with an isolated distal humerus supracondylar fracture between 2004 and 2014 were included in this study (n¼569). Patient demographics and fracture characteristic data were collected. Hypothesis testing was performed to assess for any statistically significant relationship between fracture incidence and temporal or injury characteristics. Patients were then divided based on their management (conservative vs. operative) and hypothesis testing was performed to determine whether any difference existed between the management groups with regards to temporal and injury characteristics. Results: No statistically significant association was noted between fracture incidence and gender, laterality, or day/ month/season of injury. Time of injury and presentation to the Emergency Department demonstrated significant results, with highest incidence in the afternoon hours (12:00–17:59).

Conclusions: Unlike previous international studies, no significant difference was noted between day/month/season of injury and incidence of supracondylar fracture. This is thought to be likely due to the difference in climate between Australia and other countries.