An Update on the Epidemiology of Pediatric Fractures

Abstract

Despite public health measures to prevent childhood injuries, the incidence of pediatric fractures is increasing. This fracture incidence is dependent on many demographic factors, the various contributors to bone health, and an individual's risk-taking behavior. Although traditional play activities continue to be the prevalent causes for fractures, there is an evolving array of new sport and recreation activities that carry significant fracture risk. The following review article outlines the developing epidemiology of pediatric fractures by analyzing some of the individual risk factors that influence fracture incidence as well as the variety of activities that are associated with these fractures.