OBJECTIVES: To examine data for patients with DRG code 244 and compare that data to a control group of patients in order to identify statically significant variations amongst the groups. METHODS: A data set was obtained from the 2006 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) consisting of 562 patients.  The data included 281 patients with DRG code 244 and an additional 281 patients for the control group which was made up of patients with orthopaedic, mental health, and substance abuse DRG codes other than 244.  These data were analyzed using SAS Enterprise Guide. RESULTS: Analysis of frequency counts discovered a significantly lower percentage of Caucasians in the study group (just 38%) when compared with the control group’s 66%.  African Americans in particular showed the greatest increase in patients for the study group with 36% of the study group consisting of African Americans in comparison to just 13% of the control group.  Additionally, females represented a lower percentage in the study group.  These observations were verified to be statistically significant via logistic regression.  Additionally, linear regression models showed patients in the highest income quartile had significantly higher total charges than patients in lower income ranges.  The wide range of ICD-9 diagnosis codes indicated that DRG 244 consists of a broad group of loosely related conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The statistical analysis verified that many bone related diseases are much more prevalent in patients with darker skin tone, and more melanin in their skin.  This supports current knowledge that melanin blocks UV radiation and reduces the body’s ability to make Vitamin D.  The findings related to total charges warrant further research to determine if patients are receiving the proper care for their illness and also not receiving unnecessary tests and procedures.