Treatment results for pediatric orthopedics

In 2023, we treated 2,189 fracture patients under the age of 16 at New Children’s Hospital. All fracture patients who have received treatment at least once at New Children’s Hospital are included in the number. 
 

Table: Patient numbers 2018–2023 (Kids Fracture Tool)

In 2023, we performed a total of 516 fracture surgeries under general anesthesia at New Children’s Hospital.

Table: Number of surgeries 2018–2023 (Kids Fracture Tool)
 

We have collected the assessments of patients / their guardians on surgical fracture treatment and treatment satisfaction since 2021. The majority of patients attend all the fracture treatment units at New Children’s Hospital (emergency department, fracture outpatient clinic, surgery and anesthesia unit, inpatient ward).

In 2023, the average overall satisfaction (0–10) of patients treated with surgery / their guardians who responded to the survey was 8.93 (range 3–10). 

Table: Average treatment satisfaction in surgically treated fracture patients in 2021–2023 (Kids Fracture Tool)

Our goal is for at least 90% of patients with fractures of the lower humerus (Gartland III supracondylar) to have surgery less than 18 hours after arriving at our hospital. In 2023, we achieved this goal (92%).
 

Table: Waiting times for surgical treatment of the lower humerus 2018–2023 (Kids Fracture Tool)

Our goal is for at least 80% of the patients with femoral shaft fractures to have surgery less than 18 hours after arriving at our hospital. In 2023, we achieved this goal (83%).

Table: Waiting times for surgical treatment of the femoral shaft 2018–2023 (Kids Fracture Tool)

A completely displaced fracture of the lower humerus (Gartland III supracondylar fracture) is associated with an increased risk of vascular and nerve injury in the injured limb. Treatment-related complications are also common, and an unwanted treatment outcome is the most common cause of a covered patient injury in pediatric traumatological patients.

In 2023, of completely displaced fractures of the lower humerus (Grade III supracondylar), 16% were corrected in open surgery at New Children’s Hospital. Quality indicators for procedures can include, for example, the healing of the fractured bone to its normal position, the restoration of upper limb function, and the patient’s lack of symptoms.

In 2023, no vascular or nerve injuries related to these surgeries were observed at New Children’s Hospital, and no immediate repeat operations were performed, which we feel is a good result despite the relatively high proportion of surgeries requiring open repositioning. An open repositioning of a fracture always leaves a surgical scar in the area of the elbow joint.
 

Table: Number of surgeries for lower humerus fractures (Grade III supracondylar) 2018–2023 (Kids Fracture Tool)