Fractures

What is a Fracture?

A fracture is a break in a bone, and it’s very common in children due to their active play and sports activities. Because children’s bones are still growing, they tend to heal faster but differently compared to adults. Fractures can range from simple breaks to more complex injuries involving growth plates, each requiring the right approach to ensure proper healing.

What Causes Fractures in Children?

Most fractures in children result from falls, sports injuries, or more serious incidents like car or pedestrian accidents. Since children’s bones are softer and more flexible, they can sometimes bend or partially break instead of snapping completely. These types of breaks are known as greenstick or torus fractures.

What to Look For (Physical Examination)

Signs of a fracture often include pain, swelling, and bruising around the injured area. Children may refuse to move the affected limb or show a visible deformity in more serious cases. In toddlers, limping or not putting weight on a leg might be the only sign of a fracture.

How are Fractures Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Simple and greenstick fractures are usually managed with a cast or splint, often for a shorter period than adults require. More serious or displaced fractures may need to be realigned and possibly treated with surgery to ensure proper healing and function.

Possible Complications

Although uncommon, complications can include growth plate damage, which may affect future bone growth. Other possible issues include joint stiffness or muscle weakness, which are usually temporary. In rare cases, the bone may heal in the wrong position, known as malunion.

Regular follow-up with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon ensures the fracture is healing properly and minimizes the risk of long-term issues.

Tests and Investigations

X-rays are usually the first and only test needed to diagnose most fractures. In more complex cases or when the growth plate is involved, additional imaging such as MRI or CT scans may be required.

Growth plate (physeal) injuries need special attention, as they can affect future bone development.

What to Expect
(Outcomes)

Most childhood fractures heal very well with proper treatment. Kids can usually return to full activity within weeks to a few months, depending on the type of injury.

The younger the child, the quicker the healing—and in many cases, minor alignment issues will correct themselves over time due to bone remodeling.

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