Abstract

Traumatic injury is an important cause of department of orthopedics and traumatology in children. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been identified as a potential risk factor that may contribute to the incidence of traumatic injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between traumatic orthopedic injuries and ADHD symptoms in children. A prospective-study approach was used to conduct the study. Ninety-two pediatric patients admitted to the department of orthopedics and traumatology of a university hospital aged between 4 and 18 years were included. The control group consisted of 60 age- and gender-matched children. Conner’s parent Rating Scale (CPRS) were used to evaluate the ADHD symptoms. CPRS impulsivity/hyperactivity subscale score was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, analysis of the study group showed that the subscale scores of both scales in the subgroup with a history of repetitive injuries were significantly higher than those of the subgroup without a history of repetitive injuries (p < 0.05). Patients admitted to the orthopedics outpatient clinic for traumatic injuries had a higher number of ADHD symptoms than those who did not have traumatic injuries. These findings suggest that children who had traumatic injuries have more hyperactivity symptoms than without traumatic injuries. Psychiatric consultation for ADHD should be considered for patients admitted to clinics with similar injuries, especially those who have a history of repetitive injuries.

Key words: Trauma, orthopedic injuries, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, children