Child and family functioning 6 and 12 months after a serious pediatric fracture. J Trauma 2001 Jul;51(1):69-76
Date
07/27/2001Pubmed ID
11468470DOI
10.1097/00005373-200107000-00011Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0035409259 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 44 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Previous findings indicate that pediatric fractures can have adverse consequences for child adjustment and family functioning immediately after injury. However, longer term effects of the fractures are unknown. The purposes of the present prospective study were to examine the child and family outcomes of pediatric traumatic fractures at 6 months and 1 year after injury, and to identify injury and treatment factors associated with these outcomes.
METHODS: We evaluated 57 children 6 to 12 years of age with traumatic fractures requiring hospitalization. Using standardized measures and parent interview, we obtained measures of pre- and postinjury child and family functioning.
RESULTS: Although outcomes were primarily positive at 1 year after injury, child functional limitations and family stress were observed up to 6 months after injury. Lower extremity fractures had a more negative impact on families across all three assessment points. Children with fracture interventions that involved prolonged immobilization had more functional limitations at 6 months than children who were ambulatory. Family burden was higher at 1 month for the immobilized children, but not at later follow-up.
CONCLUSION: Some children and families experience adverse effects during the year after a serious pediatric fracture, especially if sustained in a lower extremity. Fracture stabilization that allows for greater ambulation may offer some benefits related to functional outcomes and family impact.
Author List
Stancin T, Kaugars AS, Thompson GH, Taylor HG, Yeates KO, Wade SL, Drotar DAuthor
Astrida Kaugars PhD Associate Professor of Psychology in the Psychology department at Marquette UniversityMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Activities of Daily LivingChild
Cohort Studies
Cost of Illness
Family Relations
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Fractures, Bone
Hospitalization
Humans
Immobilization
Male
Prospective Studies
Sick Role
Sickness Impact Profile
Treatment Outcome
