Abstract:

Background: Paediatric injuries, both accidental and non-accidental are a global public health problem. Injuries account for majority of the mortality and morbidity in the paediatric age group after 1 year of age. Musculoskeletal trauma is the most common form of injury in childhood. Locally there is paucity of data on the distribution, cause and severity of childhood fractures. This study described the pattern of paediatrics long bones fractures, common mechanism of injury, severity and location at time of injury and will provide baseline data for establishment of preventive strategies in the paediatric age group.

Objectives of the study: To determine the pattern of paediatrics long bones fractures, common mechanism of injury, severity and location at time of injury in the paediatric age group at Bugando Medical Centre.

Methodology: Cross sectional study was conducted at BMC, where samples of 82 pediatric patients with long bone fracture were enrolled in the study. Selfadministered structured questionnaire containing closed ended questions was used. Data analysis was done using SPPS version 20.

Results: Radius was the most commonly fractured bone followed by humerus, ulna, femur and tibia. The common mechanism of injury was sport activities followed by falls. Most fractures occurred in school than other places. Most of them occurred when a child was with other friends compared with an adult.

Conclusion/recommendation: There is a need for a child to be accompanied with an adult and a need for proper and safe areas for playing at schools and enough supervision of students during sporting activities.