A fracture occurs when the force exerted on a bone exceeds the ability of the bone to absorb the force by deforming. Fractures in children are common-approximately one third of children will have a fracture by 16 years of age, with more boys experiencing fracture than girls.' This differentiation in fracture risk is apparent from 2 years of age. Before the age of 2 years, fracture incidence is equal and occurs at a rate of approximately 80/10 000 person years. For the UK, therefore, approximately 4800 infants will have a clinically evident fracture before their first birthday each year.
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