Fracture incidence in children and adolescents 0-19years old in Mexico: a 12-year cross-sectional analysis.

Abstract

To describe the trends of fractures in Mexican children and adolescents across a 12-year period (2007 to 2019), and to analyze if these trends have changed over time between sexes and age groups. We identified all fracture cases registered in children and adolescents (0 to 19years) at the emergency rooms and surgical departments of the Mexican Institute of Social Security between January 2007 and December 2019. We used ICD-10 to classify the fractures. The population was divided into two age groups: children (0 to 9years) and adolescents (10 to 19years). Additional information regarding sex and age was gathered up as well. We calculated annual incidence; incidence rates are presented per 10,000 population at risk. Changes in fracture trends were calculated using the average annual percentage change (AAPC). Over 12years, 1,400,443 fractures were registered. The most frequent site of fracture was forearm in 37.1% followed by shoulder (18.1%). The overall rates of fractures have remained similar over 12years (86.5, IQR 81.0-94.2); however, a significant decrease in fractures was observed the last 3years (2017-2019). According to the AAPC, only in men, in both age groups, a significant decrease in fractures was observed. This is the first study in Mexico to follow the behavior of fractures in the pediatric population over 12years. Fractures seem to be decreasing in children and adolescents. An epidemiological follow-up of childhood fractures is necessary to understand the causes of fractures to generate better prevention and treatment strategies.