Obesity and long bone fractures in children. Systematic review
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a pressing global health issue with potential implications for musculoskeletal injury risk and recovery. Although the influence of obesity on bone metabolism is acknowledged, its specific connection to the incidence, patterns, and treatment results of long bone fractures in the pediatric demographic requires further clarification. PURPOSE: This systematic review aims to evaluate the existing literature on the relationship between obesity and long bone fractures in children and adolescents, with a focus on fracture risk, anatomical distribution, management approaches, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for studies published from January 2000 to March 2025. Search terms included “childhood obesity”, “bone health”, and “long bone fractures”. We included English-language original research that analyzed the relationship between pediatric obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and long bone fractures. Data on study characteristics, fracture patterns, treatments, and outcomes were extracted. RESULTS: Out of 2,152 articles screened, 14 met the inclusion criteria. Children who were overweight or obese had higher odds of lower extremity fractures, particularly of the tibia and femur (odds ratios 1.5–3.3). Obesity was linked to more complex fracture patterns, including physical involvement and displacement, and a higher failure rate of nonsurgical management,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Effectiveness of Bisphosphonates and Denosumab on Risk of Vertebral Fractures in Prostate Cancer Patients Under Androgen Deprivation Therapies: A Real-World Prospective Study
- Osteoporosis-related fractures after spinal cord injury: a retrospective study from Brazil
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and mortality in older men
- Lack of Association between Vitamin D Insufficiency and Cardiovascular or Fracture Risk: A UK Biobank Study
- Muscle strength and body composition are clinical indicators of osteoporosis
- Incidence of bone protection and associated fragility injuries in patients with proximal femur fractures
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.