Playground-related Extremity Fractures in an Asian Setting over the Last Decade - Are We Safe?

Effect of Weather Conditions on the Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture Incidence

Background: Some environmental factors pose as risk factors for children's supracondylar humerus fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between weather conditions and pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture incidence.

Methods: A total of 310 patients aged <16 years, admitted to our hospital with supracondylar humerus fractures, were evaluated. We evaluated patients' age, and also, season, day, and weather conditions. The Turkish State Meteorological Service database was used for meteorological data and data was analysed statistically.

Results: Most cases occurred in the spring (28.1%, n=87) and summer (27.1%, n=84). Cases of older children (aged six years and older) with supracondylar humerus fractures were recorded in the summer season, while fracture cases in preschool-aged (younger than six years old) children were seen in the winter season.

Conclusion: We found that the overall incidence of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures increased in spring and summer seasons. In addition, the fracture incidence in preschool- and school-aged children differed according to the season and temperature. Hence, the management of these fractures could also include the significance of weather conditions, making preventive measures more critical in the spring and summer seasons.

Playground Equipment-related Genital Injuries in Children: An Analysis of United States Emergency Departments Visits, 2010-2019

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the demographics, epidemiology, and common mechanisms associated with playground equipment-related genital injuries in children.

METHODS

We examined the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database to obtain playground-related genital injuries sustained in children ≤17 years from 2010 to 2019. Demographics of the patients and injury characteristics were analyzed using sample weights to produce national estimates.

RESULTS

During the study period, an estimated 27,738 (95% confidence interval 18,602-36,874) emergency department visits with an average annual incidence of 3.8 (95% confidence interval 2.5-5) per 100,000 United States population ≤17 years were reported. The mean age was 6.6 (standard error 0.152) years with most injuries occurring in pre-school children (48.1%) and females (81.1%). Over ½ of genital injuries (55.2%) were associated with climbing apparatus. This was followed by slides (10.7%), swings (9%), and seesaws (4.8%). Most genital injuries occurred at public (41.4%) and school settings (36.3%). Straddling and/or falling was the most common mechanism leading to genital injuries (84.4%). The incidence of injuries remained constant during the 10-year study period (change = + 2.6%; r² = 0.121, P = .326). Monthly variations in the number of injuries existed with peak injuries in April-May, and September-October.

CONCLUSION

Despite current safety standards, genital injuries arising from playground equipment have remained stable since 2010. By defining common devices, mechanisms, and conditions associated with genital injuries, this study may help guide efforts aimed at the prevention of such injuries in various locations.