Patterns of skeletal trauma in children seen at the Orthopaedic Department of Mulago Hospital, Kampala

Abstract

Skeletal trauma is very common in children constituting 10 – 25% of all pediatric trauma worldwide. In developed countries, except for the first year of life, mortality from accidents is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14. In developing countries also, a definite increase in incidence and related mortality due to trauma has been noted in the last decade. The problems relating to pediatric trauma in the developing world are peculiar in the form of falls from heights and a rise in road traffic accidents, yet, there is scanty focus and documentation as compared to communicable diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the patterns of skeletal trauma in children at Mulago Hospital. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. This study has shown a comparatively high percentage of children with skeletal trauma at 30.1% with a predominance of males, being 70.3%. There was a predominance of domestic trauma- 53.6% , which was mainly in the form of fractures- 98.8% especially of the upper limbs. This study has highlighted specific patterns and causes of skeletal trauma in children indicating a great need for sensitization of the public on the prevention of these injuries and the need to plan for specific management of these injuries.