Clinical diagnosis of fractures in a paediatric population.
Diagnosing fractures in the paediatric population is a problematical process for which there are currently no accepted clinical criteria. We studied the physical signs sought by accident and emergency staff in 126 children with suspected fractures. We found a significant correlation between 'point tenderness' and fracture, as demonstrated by plain radiograph. 'Swelling' and 'redness' approached significance. These results correlate well with previous work in this area, but further research using a larger sample is required as confirmation.
Al-Adhami
Abdullah S
AS
Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh EH9 1LF, UK.
Brennand
Carolyn M
CM
Chiam
Priscilla P S
PP
Palmer
Emily M
EM
Schmieder
Tania K
TK
Shah
Anoop S
AS
Sivalingam
Vanitha N
VN
Beattie
Thomas F
TF
D002648:Child; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods