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Fractures in Children

Red cast is applied

Overview

A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture happens, it is either open or closed.

  • Open fracture. The bone breaks through the skin. Or the skin has a deep wound that exposes the bone.
  • Closed fracture. The bone is broken, but there is no wound in the skin.

Causes

Fractures happen when more force is applied to the bone than the bone can absorb. Bones are weakest when they are twisted. Breaks in bones can happen from overuse injuries, falls, trauma, or a direct hit to the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. Below are the most common symptoms if your child breaks a bone:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Obvious deformity of the bone
  • Trouble using or moving the bone in a normal way
  • Warmth, bruising, or redness
  • Numbness

These symptoms may seem like other health problems. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Your child's healthcare provider makes the diagnosis with an exam and diagnostic tests. During the exam, you will be asked about your child's health history and how the injury happened.

Your child may also need:

  • X-rays. This test makes images of internal tissues, bones, and organs.
  • MRI. This test uses a combination of large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
  • CT scan. This test uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. The test is more detailed than general X-rays.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on your child's symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is.

An open fracture is an emergency. This is when the bone breaks through the skin. Or when the skin has a deep wound that exposes the bone. Call 911 or your local emergency number to get medical help right away.

The goal of treatment is to control the pain, help the bone heal, and prevent complications so your child can use the fractured area again normally. Treatment may include:

  • Splint or cast. This keeps the broken bone in place while it heals.
  • Medicine. Certain medicines can help ease pain.
  • Traction. This treatment gently stretches the muscles and tendons around the broken bone to allow the bone ends to align and heal. It uses pulleys, strings, weights, and a metal frame attached over or on the bed.
  • Surgery. Your child may need surgery to put certain types of broken bones back into place. Sometimes the surgeon puts metal rods or pins inside the bone or outside the body to hold the bone pieces in place. This helps them heal in the correct position.