Pediatric Fractures

Common childhood fractures include fractured

Symptoms

Types of Fractures

A fracture is either a partial or full break in the bone. When a fracture occurs, it either opens or closes.

Diagnosis

Your child's healthcare provider determines the diagnosis based on an assessment and diagnostic tests. During the checkup, you will be asked about your child’s health history and how the injury happened.

Your youngster might also need:

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the type of fracture, its severity, and your child's age. Fractures in children are typically treated with a sling, splint/brace, cast, or walking boot. These immobilize the injured bone till it heals.

Splints

If a doctor is concerned about swelling, he or she will often apply a splint to a newly broken bone. If the injured area grows, a cast may become overly tight, reducing blood flow. After the swelling has subsided, the splint is usually replaced with a cast. Splints are also used to treat small fractures that do not require a cast.

Boot

A fractured ankle, foot, or leg can be supported using an boot. The boot immobilizes the foot and ankle, but it can be removed for bathing or icing in specific situations.

Casts

Casts are more durable than splints and offer better protection to the wounded area. Casts include two layers: : a soft inner layer that lies against the skin and a hard outer covering that protects and immobilizes the broken bone while it heals. The type of cast utilized depends on the type of fracture.

Reduction

A reduction is a non-surgical treatment that helps the bone mend properly. The doctor realigns the shattered bone from outside the body and places the wounded limb in a cast or splint. Reductions are typically performed in an emergency room using drugs that relieve pain and make your child tired or drugged so they do not recall the surgery.

Surgery

Severe or unstable fractures that cannot be successfully set with a reduction require surgery. To enhance the odds of the bone healing in the proper position, your child's doctor will determine whether or not to operate early in treatment. In some circumstances, however, if the area around the fracture is inflamed, the treatment may be postponed until the swelling subsides. In the operating room, the youngster will be sedated or given general anesthesia, and the doctor will install the bone. A pin can be used to securely hold the bone pieces in place while they recover. If the fracture is in a joint, the surgeon will realign it and secure it with screws, a plate, or a pin.

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