Paediatric trauma epidemiology in an urban scenario in India.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the epidemiology of paediatric trauma in an urban scenario of India and compare results with studies from developed countries, and to formulate preventive measures to decrease such traumas.


METHODS
Between January 2004 and 2005 inclusive, 500 paediatric, orthopaedic trauma patients presenting to our hospital were prospectively studied. Information was recorded in a prescribed proforma.


RESULTS
The children's ages ranged from 0 to 16 years; 274 were males. Most fractures occurred in children aged 7 to 12 years and decreased in older children. The ratio of fractures in left versus right upper extremity was 2:1. In children aged 0 to 6 years, the most common injured site was the elbow, whereas in children aged 7 to 16 years it was the distal radius. In descending order, most injuries were sustained at home (47%), in school (21%), due to sports (17%), and due to vehicular accidents (13%).


CONCLUSIONS
An effective accident prevention programme in developing countries requires changes in lifestyle and environment, and overcoming obstacles such as ignorance, illiteracy, and inadequate resources.
Tandon
T
T
Department of Orthopaedics, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. tandon_2004@yahoo.co.uk
Shaik
M
M
Modi
N
N
D000059:Accidents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007223:Infant; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology; D011890:Railroads; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000092464:Elbow Injuries