Frequent location and severity of sports-related fractures in children in a tertiary care-center. A retrospective observational cohort study.
Abstract: Despite benefits in children, sport practice has been reported with higher risk of fractures. Our objective was to report the characteristics of sport-related fractures in children and to compare them to fractures sustained in a domestic context. Our hypothesis was that sports-related fractures more frequently required surgical treatment, and could therefore be considered more severe METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients under 16 years old, diagnosed with a fracture at the emergency department, excluding skull and face fractures. Demographic data, context of injury and fracture location were collected. Contexts were divided into five categories: domestic, sport-related, motor vehicle accident, school-based, other. In addition, treatment modality was collected and categorized as simple (cast immobilization), reduction and surgery (osteosynthesis). Results: A total of 4761 patients were included (mean age 8.9 years ± 4.3). There were 3326 patients in the domestic fractures group (mean age 7.8 years +/- 4.3) and 1435 patients in the sport-related fractures group (mean age 11.4 years +/- 3.0 (p < 0.001)). Surgical treatment was more frequent in sport-related fractures (13% vs 8%, p < 0.001). Horse-riding was the sport leading the most frequently to surgical treatment (47%). When taking domestic fractures as reference, we found that surgical treatment was significantly more frequent in most of sport-related fractures. The most at-risk sports were horse-riding (OR = 14.5, p < 0.001) and athletics (OR = 5.7, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Even though physical activity must be promoted in children regarding their beneficial effects, sport-related fractures require more often a surgical treatment. Horse-riding is particularly at-risk, and children and families must be properly informed on risks, security measures and protection equipment. Methods: IV.
Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2025-07-04 PubMed ID: 40618846DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2025.104327Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article explores the common locations and gravity of fractures suffered by children as a result of sports activities, compared to fractures sustained from domestic situations. The results show sports-related fractures needing more frequent surgical treatment, thus being categorized as more severe, with horse-riding identified as the highest risk sport.
Methodology
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients under the age of 16 who were diagnosed with a fracture at the emergency department. Fractures to the skull and face were excluded from the study.
- Data, including demographics, context of the injury, and the location of the fracture, were collected.
- The causes of the injuries were classified into five categories: domestic, sports-related, motor vehicle accident, school-based, and other.
- Treatment modes were categorized as simple (cast immobilization), reduction, and surgery (osteosynthesis).
Results
- The study included a total of 4761 patients with an average age of 8.9 years. Out of these, 3326 fell into the domestic fractures group (average age 7.8 years) and 1435 fell into the sports-related fractures group (average age 11.4 years).
- Surgical treatment was found to be more frequent in sports-related fractures – 13% compared to 8% in domestic fractures.
- Horse-riding was the sport that most commonly resulted in surgical treatment, with 47% of cases requiring surgery.
- Compared to domestic fractures, surgical treatment was significantly more common in most of the sports-related fractures.
- Horse-riding (OR = 14.5) and athletics (OR = 5.7) were identified as the most at-risk sports.
Conclusions
- While physical activity is beneficial for children and should be encouraged, sports-related fractures often required surgical intervention, indicating their severity.
- Horse-riding was found to be an especially high-risk sport.
- Therefore, children and families need to be informed about the risks, safety measures, and protective equipment associated with different sports.
Cite This Article
APA
Cordonnier T, Germon V, Lemé C, Jouve JL, Launay F, Pesenti S.
(2025).
Frequent location and severity of sports-related fractures in children in a tertiary care-center. A retrospective observational cohort study.
Orthop Traumatol Surg Res, 104327.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otsr.2025.104327 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Pediatric Orthopedics, CHU Timone Enfants, Aix-Marseille Université, 264 rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
- Pediatric Orthopedics, CHU Timone Enfants, Aix-Marseille Université, 264 rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
- Pediatric Orthopedics, CHU Timone Enfants, Aix-Marseille Université, 264 rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
- Pediatric Orthopedics, CHU Timone Enfants, Aix-Marseille Université, 264 rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
- Pediatric Orthopedics, CHU Timone Enfants, Aix-Marseille Université, 264 rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
- Pediatric Orthopedics, CHU Timone Enfants, Aix-Marseille Université, 264 rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France. Electronic address: Seb.pesenti@gmail.com.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest None.
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