What types of fractures occur in children?
Fractures in children may be non-displaced, which means that it is a “hairline” fracture, or a fracture that has not broken into two separate pieces. Other fractures may be displaced, which means that it is a complete fracture that has broken into two or more pieces with some shift in position so that the ends of the broken bone are not in alignment. Fractures may occur in the shaft of the bone, or near the end, or in the joint.
Children’s bones also have growth plates, which are bands of softer cartilage near the end of the bone that allow the bone to elongate as it grows. Since the bone is softer in the area of the growth plate, it is common to see fractures in this zone.
How are fractures in children treated?
Broken fingers, wrists, and hands are mostly commonly treated in children with casting or splinting. If the broken bone is not lined up, the bone may need to be “set” or “reduced” with a manual manipulation by a specialist. In more severe fractures, surgery may be needed to reset the fracture and a metal plate, screws, pins, or rods placed in order to keep the bone in proper position while it is healing.
Children heal quickly. Many fractures heal in as little as one month. In children with a growth plate fracture, immediate diagnosis is important so that if the bone is displaced and needs to be realigned, it can be reset while the fracture is still pliable before it starts to heal.
Does my child have a fracture?
Any time an injury is sustained in a child, an adult should provide attention to the injured child. If the finger, wrist, or forearm is not in normal alignment, or if there is a skin wound leading to the fracture, the child should be brought immediately to an emergency room. If the finger or wrist or forearm is in normal alignment and the child can move it, ice can be applied and the child can be looked at again later.
Not all fractures will look crooked or have major loss of mobility. If there is significant bruising or swelling, an x-ray is the only way to know for sure if a bone is broken. If there is a significant nail-bed injury, an x-ray may be needed as the bone may be broken too. If pain, swelling, or loss of movement persists, an evaluation by a physician is needed.
