Patterns and Trends of Traumatic Fractures in Children and Adolescents Due to Falls: A 10-Year Study in Turkey

Aim: Falls are the leading cause of hospitalization and emergency
department visits due to trauma in children aged 0 to 18 years. The aim
of this study is to investigate the incidence and pattern of traumatic
fractures (TFs) as a result of falls in a population of children and
adolescents in Turkiye.
Material and Method: A retrospective review of medical records
yielded data on 1417 patients with fractures due to falls.
Results: The male-female ratio was 2.9:1, with upper extremity fractures
(57.6%) being most frequent, followed by lower extremity (27.3%) and
craniofacial fractures (16.5%). High falls correlated with increased
incidences of spinal, lower extremity, and craniofacial fractures, while
low falls were associated with more upper extremity fractures. Notably,
spine fractures prevailed in adolescents (15-18 years), and craniofacial
fractures dominated in young children (≤3 years). Distinct gender
differences emerged in fracture distribution. The study highlighted
seasonal and temporal trends, with peak incidence in the fall and
between 16:00 and 20:00. Nerve injuries were documented in 16.4%
of cases, often linked to high-impact falls, spinal, and craniofacial
fractures. Early complications/associated injuries (ASOIs) were found in
19.5%, while late complications/ASOIs occurred in 9.2% of cases.
Conclusion: Falls from high correlated with a higher frequency of early
complications/ASOIs. To mitigate the impact of fall-related fractures,
preventative measures, targeted interventions, and education are vital.
Recognizing risk factors and designing strategies tailored to different
age groups and genders can improve patient outcomes.