The perceptions of health care professionals regarding the role of physiotherapy in management of upper limb fractures in children at Solwezi General Hospital in Zambia

Abstract

Upper limb fractures occur in a population of different age groups but are more common in children. According to literature, upper limb fractures are mainly caused by a fall on an outstretched hand, and if not managed properly can result in complications that may lead to disability. Risk factors such as running, playing, genetic factors and poor nutrition are the major contributors leading to upper limb fractures in children. There is inadequacy of current literature relating to the incidence of children presenting with upper limb fractures in children in Zambia, in relation to many studies done in other Africa countries. Aim: To determine and explore the perceptions of health care professionals regarding the role of physiotherapy in management of upper limb fractures in children during the period of 1 January 2012 -31 December 2014.