Original Article · Open access
Characterization and mapping of upper extremity fractures in children by a tertiary hospital quarantine and post-quarantine period
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to categorize and map the incidence and patterns of upper extremity fractures in children during and after novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine and to identify changes in the demographic characteristics and mechanisms of these fractures.
Patients and methods: Between April 2020 and April 2022, a total of 3,549 upper extremity fractures occurring in 1,028 pediatric patients (682 males, 346 females; median age: 7 years; range, 0 to 18 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Those who presented between the dates of April 1st, 2020 and April 1st, 2021 (quarantine) were included in Group 1, whereas those who presented between April 1st, 2021 and April 2nd, 2022 (post-quarantine) were included in Group 2. The fracture map also showed the fracture density and location.
Results: There were statistically significant differences in terms of age range between Groups 1 and 2 (p<0.01). The 6-11 age range was significantly higher in Group 1, and the 12-18 age range was significantly higher in Group 2.
Conclusion: Reducing physical activity during quarantine reduces fractures, particularly in adolescents. The removal of restrictions increases fractures in children in this age range. These findings highlight the importance of considering age ranges and physical activity levels while planning safety measures to prevent injuries in children.
Declarations
Ethics Committee Approval
The study protocol was approved by the Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital Ethics Committee (date: 20.12.2021, no: 2021-24-08). The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.
Informed Consent
A written informed consent was obtained from the parents and/or legal guardians of the patients.
Author Contributions
Idea, study design, figures: M.Ç.; Data collection, materials: M.K., İ.E.S.; Control/supervision: V.Ö.; Analysis and/or interpretation: M.Ç., E.B.; Literature review, critical review: M.Ç., A.B., E.B.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.
Financial Disclosure
The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.
Data Sharing Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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