Childhood fracture is associated with an increased risk of fracture later in childhood or early adulthood, according to a Canadian study.

Lead author Dr Andrew Howard, from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, said he felt the reason for multiple fractures may be weaker bone, rather than risky behaviour.

“I find it interesting that one fracture predicts future fractures in children, when we controlled for other injury types,” he said.

“This suggests to me that the reason for multiple fractures may be weaker bone, rather than riskier environment or riskier behaviour.