![]() If the broken bone is not lined up, the bone may need to be “set” or “reduced” with a manual manipulation by a physician. How are fractures in children treated?īroken fingers, wrists, and hands are mostly commonly treated in children with casting or splinting. Although injury to the growth plate could affect that bone’s growth, many of these fractures in the hand and wrist heal well without later deformity. Since the bone is softer in the area of the growth plate, it is common to see fractures in this zone. Since the cartilage does not have calcium, it appears as a clear band on an X-ray (see Figure 1b). ![]() Fractures may occur in the shaft of the bone, or near the end, or in the joint.Ĭhildren’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. 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 (see Figure 1a). What types of fractures occur in children?įractures 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. If pain, swelling, or loss of movement persists, an evaluation by a physician is needed. If there is a significant nail-bed injury, an x-ray may be needed as the bone may be broken too. If there is significant bruising or swelling, an x-ray is the only way to know for sure if a bone is broken. Not all fractures will look crooked or have major loss of mobility. 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. 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. Does my child have a fracture?Īny time an injury is sustained in a child, an adult should provide attention to the injured child. Fractures may occur in sports from falls, twisting, or direct blows or impact to the hand or wrist. Falls are another common cause of injury. Children are also curious, and may put their fingers into machinery or other equipment. Fingertips are sometimes crushed in a slamming door, damaging the bone at the end of the finger. How do fractures occur in children?įractures occur in many different ways. Because children are still growing, their injuries need different evaluation, and sometimes different treatment. Their bones have a different consistency and quality, like soft, fresh wood, as compared to when we age, our bones become more dried-out and brittle. Among the most common injuries to the hand and wrist in children are broken bones, also known as fractures.
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