Obese adolescents have higher risk for femur fracture after motor vehicle collision

Background

Previous reports identified an association between obese adolescents (OAs) and lower extremity (LE) fractures after blunt trauma. However, the type of LE fracture remains unclear. We hypothesized that OAs presenting after motor vehicle collision (MVC) have a higher risk of severe LE fracture and will require a longer length of stay (LOS) and more support services upon discharge, compared to non-OAs.

Methods

The 2017–2019 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried for adolescents (12–17-years-old) presenting after MVC. The primary outcome was LE fracture. A severe fracture was defined by abbreviated injury scale ≥3. OAs were defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥30.

Results

From 22,610 MVCs, 3325 (14.7 %) included OAs. The rate of any LE fracture was higher for OAs (21.6 % vs. 18.8 %, p < 0.001). On subset analysis the only LE fracture at higher risk in OAs was a femur fracture (13 % vs. 9.1 %, p < 0.001). After adjusting for sex and age, the risk for severe LE fracture (OR 1.34, CI 1.18–1.53, p < 0.001) was higher for OAs. OAs with a femur fracture had a longer median LOS (5 vs. 4 days, p = 0.003) and were more likely discharged with additional support services including home-health or inpatient rehabilitation (30.6 % vs. 21.4 %, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

OAs sustaining MVCs have increased associated risk of femur fractures. OAs are more likely to have a higher-grade LE injury, experience a longer LOS, and require additional support services upon discharge. Future research is needed to determine if early disposition planning with social work assistance can help shorten LOS.