Effects of Obesity on Pediatric Fracture Care and Management

• Published in: Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume 2012-05, Vol.94 (9), p.855-861
• Main Authors: Lazar-Antman, Meredith A, Leet, Arabella I
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Age Factors; Biological and medical sciences; Bone Density; Child; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Female; Fractures, Bone - diagnosis; Fractures, Bone - etiology; Fractures, Bone - therapy; Humans; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Leptin - physiology; Male; Medical sciences; Metabolic diseases; Obesity; Obesity - complications; Obesity - pathology; Obesity - physiopathology; Postural Balance; Risk Factors; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
• ISSN: 0021-9355; 1535-1386
• DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.J.01839

Obese children have a theoretically increased risk of sustaining an extremity fracture because of potential variations in their bone mineral density, serum leptin levels, and altered balance and gait.Trauma databases suggest an increased rate of extremity fractures in obese children and adolescents involved in polytrauma compared with nonobese children and adolescents.Anesthetic and other perioperative concerns for obese pediatric trauma patients undergoing surgery include higher baseline blood pressures, increased rates of asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea.A child’s weight must be considered when choosing the type of implant for fixation of pediatric femoral fractures.Fracture prevention strategies in obese pediatric patients consist of ensuring properly sized safety gear for both motor vehicles and sporting activities and implementing structured weight-loss programs.