What is a fracture in children?

Children’s fractures are breaks in the continuity of a bone brought on by physical damage, psychological strain, or disease. Because their bones are still growing and developing, children’s bones are more prone to breaking. Children’s fractures can be caused by a variety of things, such as falls, sports-related injuries, and physical maltreatment.

Why it happens frequently in youngsters?

Children frequently suffer from bone fractures, particularly active, adventurous kids who are prone to mishaps and falls. Studies have shown that between 20 and 30 per cent of kids may fracture a bone at some point during their youth. The arms, legs, and wrists are where young children fracture most frequently. Fractures can happen to any child, while boys are significantly more likely than girls to encounter them. Children’s fractures can be avoided with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and safe driving practices. “A broken bone is just a reminder that we are alive and active, and with proper care and attention, we will heal and be stronger than ever.”

Children’s bone fractures can be caused by several significant factors, including:

Children are more likely to fall than adults, especially when playing and moving around. Fractures can result from falls from heights like bicycles, staircases, and playground equipment.

Sports Injuries: Fractures, particularly in the arms and legs, are more common in kids who play sports and engage in physical exercise.

Physical Abuse: Physical abuse, including shaking a baby or beating a youngster, can also lead to fractures in children.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease): This uncommon genetic disorder causes bones to become brittle and prone to fractures.

Osteoporosis and rickets, for example, can weaken bones and increase the risk of fractures.

Bone cancer: In rare instances.

 

Figure showing causes of fracture in children

As a parent what can make you worry when your child got injured:

Any fall directly on joints or outstretched hands and legs.

If your child is complaining frequently about pain.

Any swelling

He or she is not letting you touch at the place,

Walking with limp

Keeping hands in different ways other than normal.

Sitting in one place not moving.

Red and shiny skin

Disclaimer: nowadays, it has been observed that any kind of fracture or bone strain is not causing extreme pain and swelling which makes it hard to figure out the broken bones.

What to do at the first site:

Apply ice for 5 to 10 minutes wrapping in a piece of thin cloth,

Put a compression bandage

If it’s a severe injury apply any stick as support and try to keep it align and wrap it with cloth or ribbon.

Visit an orthopaedic doctor.

what precautions you will take for very young children:

Often in the village or at home, we see holding a child by their elbow which many times proves to be dangerous. It causes dislocation of the elbow joint. As the bones and ligaments in children are soft, they are still too mature. Whenever there is excessive abnormal force, it comes out of the ligament rings. This is called a nursemaid elbow or pulled elbow. Hence its important to hold a child with a firm grip and from both hands at the level of axilla.

Most common fracture seen in children:

The most common fractures in children are:

Colles Fracture – This is a break in the wrist that occurs when a child falls on an outstretched hand.

Greenstick Fracture – This is a break in one side of a bone that is bent but not completely broken.

Buckle Fracture – This is a break in a bone that is bent so that the two broken pieces are touching each other.

Fracture of the Distal Radius – This is a break in the forearm near the wrist.

Fracture of the Femur – This is a break in the thigh bone, which is the longest, strongest and heaviest bone in the body.

Fracture of the Tibia – This is a break in the shin bone, which is located in the lower leg.

It’s important to seek medical attention for children who have broken bones, as proper treatment can help prevent complications and speed up recovery.

In toddlers, the supracondylar fracture is one of the common fractures caused due to abnormal fall.

What’s the expert opinion on children having fractures?

At any sign of injury or trauma, do the required first aid and get the child to the nearby orthopaedics doctors. It’s very important to get advice from an expert ortho consultant having experience in child trauma because children are not mini-adults.  Their treatment is different from adults’ as their growth and maturation are at a crucial stage of development. It is often seen that parents just run for the x-ray without consulting any doctor. There are various aspects of images which should be taken properly to see the type of fracture, and its complexity and to decide at what angle and which side of the image will properly provide you with the right information. Often people lack in this which results in compromised treatment.

What dr. gagan deep Gupta says about fractures in children at blossoms clinic, peermuchalla:

Dr Gagan is a renowned and grounded orthopaedic surgeon with vast experience in handling paediatric fracture cases for many years. His expertise says most of the fractures in children post plaster of paris application or surgical management based on the type of injury. Physiotherapy plays an important role To regain children’s strength and mobility to the full extent. Most of the time parents ignore rehabilitation. It is not necessary to visit every day to a therapist but ensure to learn it from an expert and start it at right time to prevent any type of post-fracture deformity. There are numerous pieces of evidence that post-fracture exercise helps in new bone tissue formation and helps in building strength. For more details log into drgaganorthosurgery. You can also call him for online consultation to take an expert opinion in case you are unable to reach him. Team with dr. Gagan is pledged to provide the right information about health care or follow him for more latest updates on……