Bone Abstracts

Objective: Fractures represent a common injury during childhood and adolescence. Knowledge of epidemiology of fractures is crucially important for implementation of prevention strategies for target population. Our objective was to evaluate incidence of fractures in Indian children and adolescents and to investigate association of fractures with physical activity.

Methods: Data on history of fracture, age, site of fracture and physical activity were collected from 9496 (5230 boys) apparently healthy children and adolescents from five major cities from the north, south, east and western regions of India (2011–2012). Height and weight were measured and BMI was computed; SDS were calculated using Indian reference data (Indian Pediatr 46 477–489, 2009).

Results: Mean age of the study children was 10.6±3.6 years. The mean height for age, weight for age and BMI for age Z-scores were −0.2±1.2, −0.1±1.4 and 0.0±1.5 respectively. Of the children studied, 9.4% (890 children) had suffered at least one fracture (5.9% fractures were in boys). The incidence of fractures was significantly (P<0.05) greater in boys than in girls. Fractures had occurred between 2 and 5 years in 2% children, between 6 and 9 years in 26%, between 10 and 14 years in 53% and between 15 and 18 in 18% children. Of the fractures, 58% were in the upper limbs, 26% in the lower limbs and 16% were other fractures. After adjusting for age, as minutes of physical activity (sports; Football, Volleyball, etc.) per week increased the odds of fracture increased by 1.1.

Conclusion: Fractures were commoner in boys; in upper limbs; 10–14 years was commonest age. Strategies for fracture prevention are important, especially with increased physical activity.