Childhood fractures are a common occurrence that can disrupt your child’s active lifestyle. From minor slips to high-energy falls, this guide will walk you through the essentials of pediatric fracture care, ensuring your child’s bones heal properly and their overall bone health is preserved.
At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, our orthopaedic specialists are here to provide expert care for your child. Contact our office in Zanesville, Ohio, today to see how we can help!
A pediatric fracture refers to a broken bone in a child. Since children’s bones are still growing, they are more flexible and resilient than adult bones, which can lead to unique fracture patterns. Pediatric fractures can occur during sports, play, or even minor accidents due to underlying conditions like bone fragility or bone disease.
Here are some of the most common fractures children may experience during their active and growing years:
Multiple fractures in children may be caused by fragile bones. Children with a history of multiple fractures may require an assessment for bone fragility. Seek medical advice if the following applies to your child:
Recognizing a fractured bone in your child is essential for prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:
If your child exhibits these signs, visit a child’s doctor or a specialist promptly to ensure the injury is addressed.
Certain factors can increase a child’s risk for fractures, including:
Children’s bones differ from adult bones in several ways, making their fractures unique:
The structure of children’s bones is different from that of adults. Therefore they may break differently. Common fracture types that can occur in children include the following:
These are also called incomplete fractures or “torus” fractures. They occur when one side of the bone is compressed and buckles in. They are common in children’s arms, especially near the wrist.
This is a type of incomplete fracture where the bone breaks on one side, causing the other side to bend. They are common in children under 10.
The bone doesn’t actually break but is instead bent through trauma or injury.
These are caused by repetitive strain and overuse. The bones will have tiny cracks in them.
This is when the growth plate at the end of the bone is damaged. They often occur at the wrist, elbow, or ankle. If the growth plate does not heal properly, the bone could grow slowly or at an angle. Some growth plate fractures may require surgery to allow bones to grow properly.
Displaced fractures are when the bone pieces become out of position. Non-displaced fractures are breaks where the bone pieces are still aligned.
These types of fractures break through the skin.
Accurate diagnosis is key to successful treatment. When you bring your child to Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, we may use the following methods to identify a fracture:
The treatment plan for a pediatric fracture depends on the type and severity of the injury. Common treatments include:
Our pediatric orthopedic specialists are skilled in using these techniques to help your child recover safely and effectively.
When it comes to your child’s bone health, trust the experts at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville. Our team specializes in treating a wide range of fractures, from minor injuries to complex fractures.
If your child has suffered a fracture or you’re concerned about their bone health, visit our Pediatric Orthopaedics page to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure your child’s bones heal properly and their growth is not affected.
By providing expert care and personalized attention, Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville is dedicated to helping your child get back to the activities they love. Contact our office in Zanesville, OH, today to learn how we can support your family with compassionate, specialized care!
Medically reviewed by Benjamin R. Pulley, MD, FAAOS
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