School Attendance After Orthopedic Injury in Children

Parents of children with orthopedic injuries prompted this study. They told staff at the Columbia University orthopedic clinic that their children were turned away from school. The reason? Safety issues because of their casts, crutches, or wheelchairs.

As a result the next 78 children treated were followed after injury. The goal was to see how many went back to school. About half were able to return right away. Three-fourths of those who were absent were refused entrance by the school. The rest of the children were kept home by their parents.

Using crutches was the biggest problem. Leg injuries, surgery, and splints were also listed as reasons children were refused entrance. The researchers also reported very few children received any home instruction or help keeping up.

Children who miss school after injury are at risk for academic failure. This report points out how often schools refuse to allow injured students in school.