What is the most common type of long bone fracture in children?

The most common type of long bone fracture in children is the clavicular fracture. This type of fracture often occurs during the birth process or in young children as a result of falls or direct trauma. The clavicle is particularly susceptible to fractures because it is situated just beneath the skin and is involved in shoulder movements, making it more vulnerable to injury compared to other long bones.

Clavicular fractures in infants frequently occur during delivery, especially in cases of shoulder dystocia. In older children, these fractures may happen during play or contact sports. The high incidence can be attributed to the relative fragility of the growing skeleton in children and the frequent activities that lead to falls or trauma.

Other types of fractures, such as femoral, tibial, or humeral fractures, are also seen in pediatric populations but do not occur as frequently as clavicular fractures. Femoral fractures are more serious and often involve significant trauma or accidents, tibial fractures also tend to be associated with more specific high-energy injuries, and humeral fractures, while common, especially in the upper arm, typically do not surpass the frequency of clavicular fractures. Therefore, in the context of pediatric injuries, the clavicular fracture stands out as the most prevalent type of long bone fracture.