Fractures in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Fractures are one of the most common injuries among children, as their active lifestyles and constant exploration of the world around them often lead to accidents. While fractures in children can be concerning for parents, the good news is that with proper care, most fractures heal well and don’t result in long-term problems. In this blog, we will explore what causes fractures in children, how they are treated, and how parents can help their child recover quickly and safely.

What Causes Fractures in Children?

Children are naturally energetic and curious, which can sometimes lead to falls, bumps, or accidents that result in broken bones. Fractures in children commonly occur due to:

• Sports injuries: As children become involved in activities like soccer, basketball, and gymnastics, they may experience falls or collisions that lead to fractures.

• Falls: Whether it’s from climbing trees, running, or even slipping on a wet surface, falls are a frequent cause of fractures in children.

• Bicycle or skateboard accidents: While riding bicycles or skateboards, children are often at risk of falling and breaking a bone, especially if they are not wearing protective gear.

• Increased activity: As children grow and become more physically active, the risk of fractures can increase due to higher levels of physical activity.

It’s important to remember that children’s bones are more flexible than those of adults, which can sometimes prevent the bone from completely breaking but may lead to bends or partial fractures. However, this flexibility also makes their bones more prone to certain types of fractures, such as greenstick fractures, where the bone bends but doesn’t break completely.

Common Types of Fractures in Children:

Fractures in children can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Some common types of fractures include:

• Greenstick Fracture: A partial fracture that doesn’t go all the way through the bone, similar to bending a green twig. This is common in younger children.

• Transverse Fracture: A clean, straight break across the bone.

• Oblique Fracture: A slanted fracture that may occur from a sharp force.

• Spiral Fracture: A fracture that occurs when the bone is twisted.

• Growth Plate Fractures: These are fractures that occur at the end of a child’s bones, near the growth plates. Since the growth plates are still developing, injuries in this area need special care to avoid long-term issues with bone growth.

How Are Fractures Treated in Children?

The treatment of fractures depends on the severity of the break, the location of the injury, and the child’s age. In most cases, fractures in children can be treated without surgery, although more severe fractures may require an operation. Here are the general steps for treating fractures in children:

1. Initial Assessment: A paediatric orthopaedic surgeon will assess the injury, typically through physical examination and X-rays, to determine the type of fracture.

2. Casting or Splinting: Most fractures in children can be treated with a cast or splint to immobilise the bone and allow it to heal. The cast will usually stay on for several weeks, depending on the location and type of fracture.

3. Pain Management: Pain relief is important to ensure your child’s comfort during the healing process. Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are commonly recommended.

4. Follow-Up Care: Children will need to return for follow-up visits to ensure the bone is healing properly. X-rays may be taken periodically to monitor the healing progress.

5. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary, especially for fractures that are displaced (misaligned). Surgical intervention may involve inserting pins, screws, or plates to hold the bone in place while it heals.

Recovering from a Fracture: What Parents Can Do?

As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your child’s recovery. Here are a few tips to help your child heal:

• Encourage Rest: Rest is crucial for healing. Ensure that your child doesn’t put weight on the fractured limb until advised by the doctor.

• Follow Medical Instructions: Ensure your child follows all instructions, including keeping the cast dry and clean, attending follow-up appointments, and taking prescribed medications for pain management.

• Physical Therapy: Depending on the type of fracture and its severity, your child may need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility after the bone has healed.

• Emotional Support: Fractures can be frustrating for children, especially if they miss out on activities they enjoy. Offer emotional support to help them cope with the limitations during recovery.

Preventing Fractures in Children

While some fractures are inevitable, there are steps parents can take to reduce the risk:

• Use Protective Gear: Ensure your child wears helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and other protective gear while riding bikes, skateboards, or participating in contact sports.

• Safe Play Areas: Create safe play environments by removing obstacles, ensuring that playgrounds are well-maintained, and teaching your child safe play habits.

• Supervision: Keep an eye on young children during physical activities to prevent accidents and ensure they are playing safely.

Conclusion:

Fractures in children are a common part of growing up, but with the right treatment and care, most children make a full recovery. By staying informed about the types of fractures, treatment options, and recovery strategies, parents can play an active role in ensuring their child heals properly and safely. If your child sustains a fracture, consult a paediatric orthopaedic specialist to ensure the best possible care for your child’s injury.