What is the most common type of fracture in pediatric patients?

The most common type of fracture in pediatric patients is a clavicular fracture. This type of fracture frequently occurs during childbirth, especially in cases where there are complications such as shoulder dystocia or when the baby is larger than average. The mechanism often involves trauma during delivery, leading to a high incidence of this injury in newborns.

Additionally, as children grow and become more active, clavicular fractures can also happen in older children due to falls or direct blows to the shoulder. The clavicle is relatively thin and located in a position where it is vulnerable to fractures from direct impact.

While wrist, femoral, and forearm fractures occur commonly in children too, particularly in sports and falls, they do not occur with the same frequency as clavicular fractures. The clavicle's unique position and the circumstances surrounding infancy contribute significantly to its status as the most commonly fractured bone in the pediatric population.