Fracture epidemiology

Abstract

The purpose of fracture epidemiology, as of epidemiology in general, is to identify and describe the etiology of disease in a population, with the ultimate goal of finding methods of prevention. The planning of medical services is also facilitated and made more accurate from epidemiological data. By tradition and out of necessity, the interest of orthopaedic surgeons has focused on diagnosis and therapy but it is also our duty to participate in preventive programs to reduce accidents and to recognize any new hazards that may affect the children in our society. Therefore it is important to have some knowledge of what, why, when, and how the fractures occur in children. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2010.