Factors Associated with the Transfer of Pediatric Patients with Supracondylar Humerus Fractures to a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center

Conn Med. 2015 Sep;79(8):461-6.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the characteristics of pediatric patients with supracondylar humerus fractures transferred to a level I pediatric trauma center to those who presented directly to our institution.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients with a supracondylar humerus fracture during a 42-month period (2008-2011) at a major level I pediatric trauma center were reviewed. Of 195 patients, 37 were transferred from outside hospitals.

Results: After multivariable analysis, it was determined that transferred patients were significantly more likely to present on the weekends (p = 0.003) and require operative treatment (p < 0.001) as compared to nontransferred patients.

Conclusions: Injuries requiring operative treatment and presentation on a weekend were independent predictors of the transfer of pediatric patients with supracondylar humerus fractures.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Connecticut
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Humeral Fractures / therapy*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Patient Transfer*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Trauma Centers*