TY - JOUR T1 - Effects of Obesity on Pediatric Fracture Care and Management AU - Lazar-Antman, Meredith A. AU - Leet, Arabella I. Y1 - 2012/05/02 N1 - 10.2106/JBJS.J.01839 JO - The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery SP - 855 EP - 861 VL - 94 IS - 9 N2 - Obese children have a theoretically increased risk of sustaining an extremity fracture because of potential variations in their bone mineral density, serum leptin levels, and altered balance and gait.Trauma databases suggest an increased rate of extremity fractures in obese children and adolescents involved in polytrauma compared with nonobese children and adolescents.Anesthetic and other perioperative concerns for obese pediatric trauma patients undergoing surgery include higher baseline blood pressures, increased rates of asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea.A child’s weight must be considered when choosing the type of implant for fixation of pediatric femoral fractures.Fracture prevention strategies in obese pediatric patients consist of ensuring properly sized safety gear for both motor vehicles and sporting activities and implementing structured weight-loss programs. SN - 0021-9355 M3 - doi: 10.2106/JBJS.J.01839 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.J.01839 ER -