Research Article
Pattern of Pediatric Musculoskeletal Surgical Admissions to a Tertiary Hospital in a Low-Income Country: A Retrospective Review of Medical Records
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
69-76
Received:
27 May 2025
Accepted:
16 June 2025
Published:
10 July 2025
Abstract: Background: Pediatric musculoskeletal surgical conditions pose a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, similar to other low-middle income countries. There is a dearth of information about a pattern of pediatric musculoskeletal surgical diseases. Understanding the burden of these disorders in children will inform capacity building efforts, resource allocation and training. This study aimed to assess the pattern and magnitude of pediatric orthopedic surgical disorders among patients admitted to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Clinical records that included the admission and discharge registry data were retrospectively reviewed for pediatric orthopedic patients (0- 15 years) admitted at TASH between September2017 and August 2021. Data recorded were age, sex, diagnosis, treatment and discharge recommendations. Results: A total of 726 children were admitted to the pediatric orthopedic unit during the study period. Of these 482 (66.4%) were male and 244 (33.6%) were female. The most common diagnoses were trauma (n=278, 38.3%, infection (n=161, 22.2%), musculoskeletal tumors (n=95, 13.0%), and congenital anomalies (n=78, 11.0.3%). Conclusions: Findings demonstrate a wide spectrum and pattern of pediatric orthopedic conditions that require surgical admission at TASH. As the largest national specialized teaching and tertiary referral center in the country, these findings give insight into different types of musculoskeletal surgical disorders in children. This highlights the need to increase the capacity to care for specific musculoskeletal conditions in the pediatric population of Ethiopia.
Abstract: Background: Pediatric musculoskeletal surgical conditions pose a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, similar to other low-middle income countries. There is a dearth of information about a pattern of pediatric musculoskeletal surgical diseases. Understanding the burden of these disorders in children will inform capacity building efforts, reso...
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,
Bahiru Bezabhi
