The prevalence of tympanostomy tubes in children in the United States, 1988.

Information from the 1988 National Health Interview Survey Medical Device Implant Supplement was used to obtain the first population estimates of the prevalence of implanted tympanostomy tubes, a common treatment for otitis media. The prevalence rate was estimated to be 13 per 1000 children aged younger than 18 years. Statistically significant differences in prevalence were found for sex (boys, 15/1000; girls, 10/1000), race (Whites, 15/1000; others, 4/1000), and activity level ("limited," 44/1000; others, 11/1000). Thirty percent of the tubes were replacements; infection was the reason for 75% of the original implants. The morbidity and costs associated with tympanostomy tubes are of public health importance.

The prevalence of internal orthopedic fixation devices in children in the United States, 1988.

This study provides the first estimated prevalence of implanted orthopedic fixation devices (e.g., pins or wires) among children in the United States, based on the Medical Device Implant Supplement to the 1988 National Health Interview Survey. The overall prevalence was 27 per 10,000 children younger than 18 years; prevalence was highest (59/10,000) among those aged 12 to 17 years. The lower extremities were the most frequent body site (43%) and injury was the leading specific reason for implantation (37%). Some (10%) were replacement implants.