Injuries to the lower limbs and associated injuries in children and adolescents resulting from road traffic incidents.

BACKGROUND

Fractures occurring in the lower extremities as a result of road traffic accidents (RTAs) can lead to considerable morbidity and constitute a large proportion of nonfatal injuries that necessitate hospitalization. The present study aimed to examine the epidemiology of lower extremity fractures linked with RTAs in pediatric patients.

METHODS

This is a descriptive retrospective research study carried out between 2015 and 2022 at St. Mary's Children's Hospital, Iasi, Romania, targeting the population below the age of 18 years who experienced trauma from RTAs and received treatment from the trauma department. Data pertaining to various aspects, including age distribution, the frequency of accidents, the types of injuries incurred, and surgical treatment, were gathered.

RESULTS

The findings revealed a total of 358 cases of RTAs, out of which 112 fit the required criteria, and a total of 22 patients, accounting for 19.64%, had open fractures.

CONCLUSION

This research provides information on lower extremity fractures and associated injuries in the pediatric population living in urban and rural areas throughout the Moldova region in Romania, subsequent to RTAs. The objective is to deliver the most relevant information at the patient's bedside and provide proper healthcare services.