Introduction: To investigate which fracture characteristics were associated with impulsive/hyperactive behavior in children with extremity fractures.
Materials and methods: A clinical sample of 95 consecutive children with extremity fractures admitted to the Orthopaedics and Traumatology Outpatient Clinic of a university hospital were included in the study. The Conners Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) was used to assess children's symptoms. Fracture characteristics were grouped according to trauma type, fracture localization, hospitalization requirement, treatment type and history of previous fracture(s). Descriptive analyses were performed; t-tests and univariate ANOVAs were utilized to compare groups with respect to impulsivity/hyperactivity subscale scores on the CPRS.
Results: Mean CPRS impulsivity/hyperactivity subscale score for the whole group was 6.94 (SD = 2.69). Children with fractures which occurred during solitary activities presented with more impulsive/hyperactive behavior than those with fractures which occurred during group activities. Children with more severe fractures that required open reduction also presented with more impulsive/hyperactive behavior. Children with lower extremity fractures had showed more impulsive/hyperactive behavior than children with upper extremity fractures.
Conclusion: Detecting behavior problems in children admitted with fractures and referring them for treatment, is critical in preventing future serious injuries.