Toddler's Fractures: Time to Weight-bear With Regard to Immobilization Type and Radiographic Monitoring

Toddler fractures immobilisation and complications: A retrospective review

BACKGROUND

A Toddler's Fracture (TF) is classically an isolated, nondisplaced, distal-third diaphyseal tibial spiral fracture in younger children. A TF is stable and has a low risk of complication. There is lack of uniformity as to the optimal treatment for TF. Immobilisation with full above knee casting, below knee casting, splinting, controlled ankle motion boots and no immobilisation are all strategies currently in use. There is limited data from European centres regarding those treated without immobilisation.

METHODS

A retrospective review of electronic medical and radiology records was performed to identify all children presenting to a multisite department of paediatric emergency medicine in Ireland from January to December 2022. Those with radiologically confirmed TF or a presumptive diagnosis of TF were included. Data retrieved for each child included initial treatment and the number of and reason for ED reattendances relating to the injury in the 6-month period following the injury.

RESULTS

166 children were identified, 96 with radiologically confirmed TF and 70 with presumptive diagnosis TF. Girls accounted for 47 % of presentations. Fall from a standing height (33 %) was the most common mechanism. 13 % (22/166) children were managed without immobilisation. Those with radiologically confirmed fracture (91/96) were significantly more likely to be immobilised than those with a presumptive diagnosis (53/70) (p = 0.001). In total 28 patients (17 % of total) represented to the ED within 6 months. The representation rate in those immobilised was 17 %, while in those not immobilised was 13 % (p = 0.66).

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, those with no radiological evidence of fracture are more likely to be managed without immobilisation. There was no significant difference in PED representations between those immobilised and not immobilised.

Treatment of proximal tibial buckle fractures: removable knee immobilizer versus long leg cast

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes and management of patients with buckle fractures of the proximal tibia treated with either a knee immobilizer or a long leg cast (LLC). A retrospective review was performed of pediatric patients with a buckle fracture of the proximal tibia over a 5-year period. Two cohorts were included, those treated with a LLC versus a removable knee immobilizer. Data collected included immobilization type, fracture laterality, length of immobilization, number of clinic visits, fracture displacement, and complications. Differences in complications and management between the cohorts were evaluated. In total, 224 patients met inclusion criteria (58% female, mean age 3.1 years ± 1.7 years). Of these patients, 187 patients (83.5%) were treated with a LLC. No patients in either group were found to have interval fracture displacement during treatment. Seven patients (3.1%) demonstrated skin complications, all in the LLC cohort. Mean length of immobilization was shorter for those treated in a knee immobilizer at 25.9 days versus 27.9 days for the LLC cohort ( P  = 0.024). Total number of clinic visits was also less at 2.2 (SD ± 0.4 days) for the knee immobilizer and 2.6 (SD ± 0.7 days) for the LLC ( P  = 0.001) cohorts. Pediatric patients with proximal tibial buckle fractures can be safely managed with a knee immobilizer. This treatment method is associated with a shorter duration of immobilization and fewer clinic visits without incidence of fracture displacement. In addition, knee immobilizers can lessen skin issues associated with cast immobilization and cast-related office visits. This is a Level III evidence, retrospective comparative study.

Reducing Rigid Immobilization for Toddler's Fractures: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Background

Toddler's fractures are one of the most common orthopedic injuries in young walking-age children. They are defined as nondisplaced spiral-type metaphyseal fractures involving only the tibia without any injury to the fibula and are inherently stable. We aimed to use quality improvement methodology to increase the proportion of patients with toddler's fractures treated without cast immobilization at a large tertiary referral pediatric orthopedic center from a baseline of 45.6%-75%.

Methods

Baseline data on patient volume and treatment regimens for toddler's fractures were collected starting in February 2019. Monthly data were collected from the electronic medical record and reviewed to determine treatment (cast versus noncast immobilization) and tracked using statistical process control charts (p-chart). After determining the root causes of treatment using immobilization, interventions tested and adopted included physician alignment of expectations for treatment, sharing unblinded compliance data with providers, updating patient education materials, and updating resident education and reference materials.

Results

After interventions were in place, the percentage of patients treated without CAST immobilization increased from 45.6% to 90% (P ≤ 0.001). We also observed improvement in our process measure to increase the percentage of this population receiving boot immobilization during new patient visits in our orthopedic clinics (4.15% to 52%, P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

By aligning provider and family expectations for treatment, demonstrating no clinical need for cast immobilization, and bringing awareness of compliance to appropriate guidelines, our institution was able to improve care for patients with toddler's fractures and reduce financial and care burdens for families.

Conservative Management of Transitional Ankle Fractures in Adolescents: A Pilot Study to Determine Whether Type of Immobilization Affects Outcome

Intra-articular Tillaux and triplane ankle fractures are treated surgically when displaced. Minimally displaced fractures are treated with immobilization alone. Long leg casts (LLCs) are the most traditional method of immobilization because they can prevent weight bearing by flexing the knee and control ankle rotation. However, they also are heavy, decrease mobility, increase the area for contact dermatitis, and increase knee stiffness. Short leg casts (SLCs) may be adequate for these injuries. This study compared outcomes of adolescents with transitional ankle fractures treated in LLCs vs SLCs. All transitional ankle fractures treated with immobilization during 11 years at a multicenter children's health system were reviewed. Patients were grouped based on initial treatment with LLC vs SLC. Cases were analyzed for differences in demographics, length of treatment, weight-bearing status, outcomes, and complications. A total of 159 patients met inclusion criteria. Sixty-five were treated initially with LLCs and 94 were treated initially with SLCs, with no significant age difference between the groups. Computed tomography scans had been obtained for 55.4% of the patients with LLCs vs 29.8% of the patients with SLCs. Mean time in the initial cast was 24 days for both groups. Mean total time in any cast was 40 days for the LLC group vs 29 days for the SLC group. Mean time to weight bearing was 7 days shorter and return to full activity was 12 days shorter in the SLC group. There were no cases of fracture displacement, malunion, nonunion, or functional limitations. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(4):230-233.].

Tibia Fractures in Children: A Single-Centre 11-Year Retrospective Study for Evaluating the Management and Outcomes in an Acute General Orthopaedic Hospital

Introduction Tibia fractures are children's most typical lower limb fractures affecting their general and mental well-being. This study aims to evaluate the management and outcomes of displaced tibia fractures. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to review children up to 16 years of age with displaced tibia shaft fractures who received treatment in our department from January 2011 to December 2021. Fractures managed in the operating theatre and patients who completed follow-up until fracture healing were included in the study. Treatment procedures were assessed, and outcome was measured by hospital stays, complications and revision procedure incidences. Results The study included 74 patients (75 fractures, including one re-fracture). The patient's ages ranged from 2 to 16 years (median age: 11 years). Seven patients sustained open fractures (Gustilo I, II). Tibia diaphysis was the most common site of involvement. A total of 43 patients were treated by manipulation under anaesthesia and cast. Surgical fixation was directly proportional to increasing age (p<0.05). Overall, 74% of patients were treated by fixation when age was >10 years. Three patients needed conversion of casting to surgical fixation. One patient had re-fracture following a secondary injury after six months of initial tibia shaft fracture treated by casting. Five patients had complications, including delayed union, pin site and surgical site infections. Antibiotics were adequate to manage infections except in one patient who needed debridement. The average hospital stay was three days. The median number of follow-up X-rays was 4. The planned removal of all flexible nails, and the circular frame was done between 2 and 15 months, except for one that had delayed union. All the patients underwent clinical and radiological union at the end of the follow-up. Conclusion The treatment plan was dependent on the individual need of the patient and the fracture pattern. Children older than 10 years were more likely to undergo surgical fixation. The majority of fractures were treated by manipulation and cast in operating theatres. Better logistic support in the emergency department could reduce the burden on the operating theatre.

Paediatric tibial shaft fractures: an instructional review for the FRCS exam

This instructional review presents the literature and guidelines relevant to the classification, management and prognosis of paediatric tibial shaft fractures at a level appropriate for the FRCS exit examination in Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery.

Observation Versus Cast Treatment of Toddler's Fractures

BACKGROUND

Nondisplaced metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia, or toddler's fractures, are one of the most common pediatric injuries. Healing typically occurs quickly without sequelae. Treatment ranges from long leg cast immobilization to observation. This study compares short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of toddler's fractures treated with long leg casting versus observation.

METHODS

Patients with toddler's fractures were offered enrollment and randomization at diagnosis. Because many families opposed randomization, a preference arm was added after one year. All subjects were analyzed as a prospective cohort. Radiographs were obtained at diagnosis and 4 weeks. A modified Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children (OAFQ-C) and family satisfaction survey were collected at diagnosis, 4 and 8 weeks. Scores were analyzed using mixed effect models. Family satisfaction surveys were compared using a Wilcoxon rank sum test.

RESULTS

Forty-four subjects participated in the study, 34 (77%) in the preference arm and 10 (23%) in the randomized cohort. The median patient age was comparable between the cast and the observation groups, 2.0 versus 1.8 years, respectively. Significant improvement in OAFQ-C scores was observed in both groups over 8 weeks (P<0.01). Patients in the observation group had a higher initial play score than the cast group (P=0.03). The observation group trended toward higher physical scores at all time points (P=0.11). There was no significant difference in emotional scores between groups (P=0.77). No displacement was observed in any patient. Casted patients had significantly more minor complications with 4 patients requiring cast change or removal compared with 0 in the observed group (P=0.01). At 8 weeks, 80% of parents in the cast group were likely or very likely to choose the same treatment compared with 95.6% in the observation group. Family satisfaction scores did not differ between groups (P=0.18). They demonstrated differences in perceived normal walking at 4 weeks, with 50% of casted patients walking normally compared with 92% of observed patients. Over 90% of patients in both groups were reportedly walking normally at week 8.

CONCLUSION

Observation of toddler's fractures results in equivalent clinical and radiographic outcomes, high family satisfaction and fewer complications compared with treatment with a long leg cast.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Transfers of pediatric patients with isolated injuries to a rural Level 1 Orthopedic Trauma Center in the United States: are they all necessary?

BACKGROUND

Pediatric fractures are difficult to manage and often result in expensive urgent transfers to a pediatric trauma center. Our study seeks to identify patients transferred with isolated acute orthopedic injuries to a Level 1 center in which no procedure occurred and the patient was discharged home. We sought to examine all patients who are transferred to a Level 1 pediatric trauma center for care of isolated orthopedic injuries, and to determine how often no procedure is performed after transfer. Identification of this group ahead of time could potentially lead to less avoidable transfers.

METHODS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients with isolated orthopaedic injuries who were transferred to a Level 1 pediatric trauma center in a rural state within the United States over a 5-year period beginning January, 2011 and ending December, 2015. Demographic factors were collected for each patient as well as diagnosis and treatment at the trauma center. Patients were divided into two groups, those who underwent an operation or fracture reduction after admission and those that had no procedure performed. Patient demographics, fracture types and presentation characteristics were examined to attempt to determine factors related to the potentially avoidable transfers.

RESULTS

1303 patients were identified who were transferred with isolated orthopedic fractures. Of these, 1113 (85.6%) patients underwent a procedure for their injuries, including 821 treated with surgical intervention and 292 treated with closed reduction of their fracture. 190 of 1303 (14.6%) of the patients transferred with isolated injuries had neither surgery nor a reduction performed. Identifying characteristics of the non-operative group were that they contained a substantially higher percentage of females, transfers by ambulance, fractures involving only the tibia, fracture types classified as other, and fractures from motor-vehicle accidents.

DISCUSSION

Approximately 14.6% of patients transferred to a pediatric Level 1 trauma center for isolated orthopedic injury underwent no surgery or fracture reductions and were discharged directly home. In particular, isolated tibia fractures were more frequently treated without reduction or surgery. In the future, telemedicine consultation for these specific injury types may limit unnecessary and costly transfers to a Level 1 pediatric trauma hospital.

Management of Toddler's Fracture: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

In studies that included children diagnosed with toddler's fractures (TFs), we determined the fracture-related adverse outcomes in those treated with immobilization versus no immobilization. Furthermore, we compared health services utilization between these 2 immobilization strategies.

METHODS

A search was done on Ovid MEDLINE(R), Embase Classic + Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials along with reference lists as conference proceedings and abstracts. No language or publication status or location restrictions were used. All study steps, including the methodological quality assessment, were conducted independently and in duplicate by 2 authors.

RESULTS

Of the 490 references identified, 4 retrospective studies of low quality met inclusion criteria and collectively included 355 study participants. With respect to fracture-related adverse outcomes, there was no risk difference [0; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.09 to 0.09] between the immobilization and no immobilization treatment strategies. Furthermore, in the immobilization versus no immobilization groups, there was a higher mean difference in the number of radiographs (0.69; 95% CI, 0.15-1.23) and scheduled outpatient orthopedic visits (0.96; 95% CI, 0.24-1.68), but a decreased relative risk (0.41; 95% CI, 0.05-3.19) of repeat emergency department visits. No data were reported on patient pain or caregiver satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with TF, this study suggests that no immobilization may be a safe alternative to immobilization for this minor fracture; however, high-quality evidence is needed to optimally inform clinical decision making. Future work should include validated measures of patient recovery, pain, and caregiver perspectives when comparing treatment strategies for this injury.

The Impact of Cast Immobilization on Return to Daycare

BACKGROUND

Children who are prohibited from returning to daycare (RTD) after treatment with cast immobilization place an increased burden on parents and caregivers. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of cast immobilization on RTD. Specifically, we sought to determine the prevalence of RTD after orthopaedic immobilization based on daycare facility policy.

METHODS

This was a survey study of randomly selected daycare facilities servicing a total of 6662 children within 10 miles of a major metropolitan city center. The 40-question survey included information on daycare policies and experience caring for children treated with orthopaedic immobilization. The survey also included questions about daycare type, enrollment, and geographic location. Photographs of the types of immobilization were embedded in the survey to facilitate understanding. Daycare facilities were randomly selected based on a power analysis to estimate a 50% prevalence of RTD after spica casting within 10% margin of error.

RESULTS

Seventy-three daycare facilities completed the survey study. The average child-staff ratio was 5:1 and most daycare facilities (78%) did not have a nurse on staff. Predetermined policies regarding RTD after injury were available at 81% of daycares. Twenty-eight (38.5%) facilities had encountered a child with a cast in the previous year. The rate of RTD for children with upper limb injuries was 90.5% compared with 79% for lower limb injuries (P=0.003). Spica casts showed the lowest RTD rate: single leg (22.5%), 1 and a half leg (18%), and 2 leg (16%) (P<0.0001). Experienced daycare facilities (>5 y) had a higher RTD rate compared with less experienced facilities (P=0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

The ability to RTD is dependent on immobilization type. Children with long leg and spica casts are disproportionately restricted when compared with other cast types. At minimum, surgeons should consider the socioeconomic implications of orthopaedic immobilization. There is also a need for orthopaedic involvement in policy formation at the local level to provide standardized guidelines for re-entry into childcare facilities following orthopaedic immobilization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Modern management of paediatric tibial shaft fractures: an evidence-based update

AIMS

This review provides a summary of recent evidence surrounding the treatment of paediatric tibial shaft fractures and presents an algorithm to aid management of these injuries. This article reviews the relevant anatomy, epidemiology and aetiology of tibial shaft fractures and summarises contemporary treatment principles. Management recommendations and supporting evidence are given for fractures according to age (< 18 months, 18 months-5 years, 6-12 years, and 13-18 years). The relative merits of casting, plate fixation, elastic and rigid intramedullary nailing, and external fixation are discussed. Special attention is paid to the management of open tibial shaft fractures and to complications including infection and acute compartment syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

There has been a shift away from non-operative management of paediatric tibial shaft fractures over the last 30 years. However, recent evidence highlights that a non-operative approach produces acceptable outcomes when used in simple closed fractures at any age. Operative management may be indicated for unstable fractures where satisfactory alignment cannot be maintained or in specific circumstances including open injuries and polytrauma. Open injuries require urgent assessment by a combined orthopaedic and plastic surgery team at a specialist tertiary centre.

Are Postcast Removal X-rays and a Second Follow-up Necessary in the Treatment of Nondisplaced Supracondylar Humerus Fractures?

BACKGROUND

The utility of routine follow-up radiographs for the treatment of nondisplaced pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures has not been established. The purpose of this study is to (1) determine the frequency that postcast removal x-rays change patient management and (2) determine the role of routine follow-up for range of motion evaluation after cast removal in the treatment of nondisplaced supracondylar humerus fractures.

METHODS

We conducted a single center retrospective chart review of patients under the age of 18 years old that sustained nondisplaced supracondylar humerus fractures between January 1, 2010 and July 1, 2018. Demographic information, fracture characteristics, time to follow-up and each appointment outcome were recorded. A change in patient management after postcast removal x-ray was defined as a need for an additional period of immobilization, a delay in initiation of range of motion exercises, or need for operative intervention. In addition, the appointment for range of motion evaluation was considered to alter management if further activity restriction was required, a formal physical therapy program was recommended or an additional office visit required. Unscheduled appointments were also noted.

RESULTS

A total of 489 patients met inclusion criteria. The average age was 4.90±2.68 years and 51.8% were female. A total of 487 patients had routine follow-up x-rays after cast removal. No patient had a change of management based on postcast removal radiographs. In all, 290 patients returned for range of motion follow-up with 94.8% of patients being discharged from care. There were 14 patients whose management changed based on this evaluation (4.8%). The most common reason was an additional appointment for range of motion evaluation (12/14 patients, 86%). There were 13 patients with unscheduled evaluation after discharge from care, 77% were secondary to repeat injury.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that postcast removal x-rays and routine follow-up after cast removal rarely change patient management and may not be necessary in the treatment of nondisplaced pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-case series.

Lower Leg Fractures in Children and Adolescents-Comparison of Conservative vs. ECMES Treatment

Background: Lower leg fractures are one of the most common fractures in pediatric age. In general, treatment of lower leg fractures is predominantly non-operative, requiring clinical and radiological controls. Nevertheless, it can be observed that in recent years tibial shaft fractures have increasingly been treated surgically. The aim of the present study is to investigate treatment strategies in the context of different fracture types of the lower leg. Methods: In this retrospective chart review, we analyzed 168 children with a diaphyseal fracture of the lower leg admitted to a trauma center between 2005 and 2017. The fractures were classified according to the AO Pediatric Comprehensive Classification of Long Bone Fractures (AO-PCCF). Results: The frequency of fractures based on the AO-PCCF classification was as follows: Simple oblique fracture of the tibia (43.5%, n = 73), hereof 32 toddler's fractures, multifragmentary oblique fracture of the tibia in 14.3% (n = 24) and simple oblique fracture of both, tibia and fibula in 18 patients (10.7%). Most pediatric fractures were treated conservatively by cast (n = 125). Thirty-seven patients received an ECMES, whereas 3 patients were treated with an external fixator and also 3 fractures were stabilized by plate osteosynthesis. Conservatively treated patients were significantly younger (mean age 6.0) compared to patients treated with ECMES (mean age 10.2) or plate osteosynthesis (PO)/external fixator (EF) (mean age 11.3), even if toddler's fractures (mean age 2.0) are excluded (mean age 7.4). There was no difference in time to full weight-bearing, hospitalization of patients treated with ECMES compared to conservative therapy although ECMES-treated fractures show more instability. The consolidation time was significantly higher in ECMES treated patients compared to conservative therapy. Conclusion: Pediatric patients (≤4 years) with lower leg fractures most often showed simple oblique fractures of the tibia, half of them toddler's fractures, which were treated predominantly by conservative therapy. All in all, the consolidation time was longer in intramedullary nailing (ECMES) than in conservative therapy. Nevertheless, time to full weight bearing and duration of cast was the same in both groups, even though ECMES treated fractures show more instability.

Retrospective chart review of minor tibial fractures in preschoolers: immobilisation and complications

OBJECTIVE

To compare the treatment practices (immobilisation vs non-immobilisation) of toddler fractures and other minor tibial fractures (both proven and suspected) in preschoolers, aged 9 months-4 years, and examine rates of ED re-presentations and complications.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of presentations of minor tibial fractures, both proven (radiologically confirmed) or suspected (negative X-ray but clinical evidence of bony injury), in children aged 9 months-4 years presenting to a single tertiary level paediatric ED from May 2016 to April 2018. Data collected included treatment practices, subsequent unscheduled re-presentations (including reasons) and complications (defined as problems relating to the injury that required further active care).

RESULTS

A search of medical records yielded 240 cases: 102 had proven fractures (spiral, buckle or Salter-Harris II) and 138 were diagnosed with a suspected fracture. 73.5% of proven fractures were immobilised, predominantly with backslabs. 79% of suspected fractures were treated with expectant observation without immobilisation. Patients treated with immobilisation were more likely to re-present to ED compared with non-immobilised patients (18/104, 17.3% vs 9/136, 6.6% RR 2.62, 95% CI 1.23 to 5.58). 21 complications were seen in 19/104 (18.3%) immobilised patients. There were eight skin complications (complication rate of 7.7%) and 11 cast issues (complication rate of 10.6%). Two (1.5%) of the 136 patients had complications related to pain or limp. Pain was uncommonly found, although follow-up was not universal.

CONCLUSION

In our centre, proven minor tibial fractures were more likely to receive a backslab, whereas for suspected fractures, expectant observation without immobilisation was performed. Although there is potential bias in the identification of complications with immobilisation, the study suggests that non-immobilisation approach should be investigated.

Alternatives to Traditional Cast Immobilization in Pediatric Patients

Casts are commonly used for fracture management and postoperative immobilization in pediatric patients. However, cast immobilization is not without complications (eg, thermal injuries, pressure sores, infection, and neurovascular injury) and may be associated with additional costs and increased loss of school/work days for cast removal or other complications. The disadvantages of traditional casting can be minimized by alternative management strategies: waterproof casts to facilitate bathing and swimming; a Pavlik harness in infants, a single-leg spica cast, or flexible intramedullary nails to avoid complications with double-leg spica casts for femur fractures; and braces or splints to manage buckle and minimally displaced distal radius fractures, toddler's fractures, and stable foot/ankle fractures.

The Emergency Evaluation and Management of Pediatric Extremity Fractures

Approximately one-third of children sustain a fracture before the age of 16 years; however, their unique anatomy and healing properties often result in a good outcome. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of pediatric extremity injuries. The article describes the anatomic features and healing principles unique to children and discusses pediatric upper and lower extremity fractures and presents evidence-based and standard practice for their management. Finally, the article describes the conditions under which emergency physicians are likely to miss pediatric fractures by highlighting specific examples and discussing the general factors that lead to these errors.

Playground slide-related injuries in preschool children: increased risk of lower extremity injuries when riding on laps

Background

The purpose of this study was to better understand the factors associated with playground slide-related injuries in preschool children and to test the hypothesis that riding on laps increases the likelihood of lower extremity injuries.

Methods

Playground slide-related injuries (product code 1242) in children ≤5 years of age treated in emergency departments from 2002 to 2015 were identified (N = 12,686) using the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Descriptive and comparative analyses, including chi-square testing and binary logistic regression, were performed.

Results

Based on NEISS stratified national sampling estimates, over 350,000 children ≤5 years of age were injured on slides from 2002 to 2015. Overall, 59% of the children were male, and 65% were white. Almost 60% of injuries occurred in parks or other public areas. The most frequent diagnosis was a fracture (36%); lacerations were 19% of the injuries. A higher proportion of musculoskeletal injuries were seen in toddlers < 3 years old as compared to those 3–5 years of age (p < 0.001). Injuries to the lower extremities increased in frequency as age decreased, whereas injuries to the upper extremities and head/neck/face were more common in older preschoolers. Children < 3 years of age were 12 times more likely to be identified from narratives as being on another person’s lap at the time of injury. Children identified as being on a lap had an increased odds of injury to the lower extremity than to other body parts (OR 43.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 32.0–58.0), and of lower leg/ankle fracture than fractures elsewhere (OR 49.5, 95% CI 31.7–77.4).

Conclusions

Decreasing age was associated with a higher likelihood of being identified as sliding down on another person’s lap and a higher likelihood of lower extremity injuries. Healthcare providers should be mindful of the potential for these slide-related injuries as they can result in a toddler’s fracture of the tibia, which may be occult. Parents should also be made aware of this increased risk and counseled that a child’s foot can catch on the slide’s surfaces when going down on a person’s lap with subsequent twisting forces that can result in a fracture.