With these fractures, the periosteum becomes loosened resulting in the classic subperiosteal hemorrhage at the ends of the long bones. Intra-articular hemorrhage is rare, because the periosteal attachment to the growth plate is very firm. Patients who are elderly or alcoholic and who subsist on diets devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables are vulnerable. Infants on restrictive diets because of medical, economic, or social reasons are vulnerable as well. Occurrence of scurvy is uncommon in those younger than 7 months.
Predominant morbidity is a result of hemorrhage into various tissues.
Subperiosteal hemorrhage in the tibia and femur cause excruciating pain. No racial predilection exists. No sexual preponderance exists. The majority of cases of infantile scurvy occur when the infant is aged 6-24 months. Scurvy is uncommon in the neonatal period.