Comparison of the Epidemiological Distribution of Pediatric Fractures Requiring Surgical Intervention: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Aim:The COVID-19 pandemic and its quarantine and isolation measures led to notable differences in trauma mechanisms and their outcomes.This study aims to compare the epidemiological data, fracture patterns, trauma mechanisms, and surgical interventions of pediatric fractures treated surgically during the pandemic with those treated before the pandemic. Material and Method:In this retrospective study, pediatric patients aged 10 years or younger who underwent surgery for fractures during one year before the pandemic and one year during the pandemic were included.The variables analyzed included gender, age, number of children experiencing fracture at home, fracture patterns, mechanisms of injury, injury location, time of injury, and type of surgery performed.The pre-pandemic period was defined as April 2019 -April 2020, and the pandemic period as April 2020 -April 2021. Results:The mean age of patients presenting with fractures before the pandemic was 6.022.62years, compared to 5.392.48years during the pandemic.Before the pandemic, 57.6% (n=38) of the patients presenting with fractures were male, with the most common fracture site being the distal humerus (56.1%, n=37).Falls were the leading mechanism of injury (95.5%, n=63).40.9% (n=27) of the injuries occurred indoors, and 40.9% (n=27) of the cases were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP).During the pandemic, 71.4% (n=40) of the patients were male, with the most common fracture site being the distal humerus (62.5%, n=35).Falls remained the leading mechanism of injury (92.9%, n=52).48.2% (n=27) of the injuries occurred indoors, and 50% (n=28) of the cases were treated with CRPP.Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the male-to-female patient ratio was higher during the pandemic (p=0.001).Forearm fractures, which typically require higher-energy trauma, were significantly less common during the pandemic (p=0.003). Conclusion:The findings provide insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric fractures.