What are pediatric fractures?
A fracture refers to a break in the bone that typically happens when excess pressure or force is applied to the bone. A pediatric fracture is a child’s fracture that necessitates highly specialized care from a medical professional like Dr. Mehling and Dr. Yufit.
Some pediatric fractures can alter the development and growth of the joint.
What are the different types of fractures?
There are different types of fractures.
Closed fractures
A closed fracture (simple fracture) takes place when the bone is broken, but the skin remains intact.
Open fractures
Open fractures occur when a broken bone breaks through the skin. Open fractures are rarer and pose a risk of infection if they aren’t treated properly.
Stress fractures
A stress fracture refers to a tiny crack in the bone that’s usually the result of repetitive force, overuse, or stress.
Growth plate fractures
Growth plate fractures occur only in children. With children, at either end of their long bones, bone grows from areas of developing cartilage tissue (open growth plates). Growth plate injuries can happen due to complications, such as limb-length discrepancies and angular deformities.
Osgood-Schlatter’s and Sever’s disease
Osgood-Schlatter’s and Sever’s disease are common growth plate injuries that often occur when children are participating in a repetitive activity or growing quickly. Osgood-Schlatter’s disease causes a painful lump below the kneecap and Sever’s disease refers to inflammation of the growth plate in the heel of developing children.
How are fractures in children different from fractures in adults?
For numerous reasons, the bones of developing children differ from the bones of fully grown adults.
Children heal more quickly than adults because of the thicker layer of connective tissue (periosteum) surrounding their bones that defends them against injury and harm. Children’s growing bones are also bendable and resilient, making them more likely to buckle or bend.
Open growth plates of children are vulnerable and susceptible to injury. Following a fracture, if this area of the bone doesn’t heal properly, the bone can grow slower than other bones in the body or it can grow at an angle, leading to complications.
How are pediatric fractures treated?
After testing and assessment, depending on the severity and type of the damage, your orthopedic surgeon might suggest:
- A cast or other assistive and custom orthotic devices
- Traction methods like skin traction to decrease pain and maintain length
- Bone realignment or other surgical procedures to restore function and repair damage
- Pediatric medications to relieve pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative exercise
If you have questions about a pediatric fracture, call Mehling Orthopedics or request an appointment online.
