Children, with their higher level of energy and capacity for physical activity also have a higher chance of experiencing fractures. A fracture is a break in the bone, where the external pressure was too great for the hard tissue to sustain.
When it comes to fracture treatment, there are some special considerations if the patient is under the age of 18. It requires a different approach to treatment and diagnosis, which we will discuss more of below.
How Are Fractures in Children Different from Those in Adults?
Here are some key differences between adult fractures and fractures in children:
#1 Greater Bone Flexibility
Children’s bones are still developing and are more pliable than adult bones, so fractures may appear differently.
For instance, it is more common for children to suffer greenstick fractures, which are mild and don’t extend all the way through the bone.
Growth plate fractures occur in the soft areas of cartilage at the end of the bones and require specialized treatment to prevent limb growth issues or growth of the bone in the wrong angle.
#2 Faster Healing
Another consideration is that children’s injuries heal faster than adult injuries. Their bones are more flexible. Due to the growth and plasticity of children’s bones, fractures can heal faster than adults. Additionally, children have a greater ability to regenerate bone tissue, which leads to faster recovery times.
However, this also means that fractures may go unnoticed for a longer period, and so it’s important to pay close attention to a child’s complaints or symptoms.
Treatment Approach for Fractures in Children
The goal of fracture treatment is to ensure the correct healing of the bone. However, since children are still growing, treatment may be specialized, with an eye toward restoring normal bone anatomy. In most cases, this can be done by external stabilization of the bone with the use of a cast, splint, or brace.
Children are less likely to require surgery to fix a broken bone, except for cases where the fracture is severe and it is in a critical location, such as a growth plate. The healthcare provider should address any potential complications that could affect the development of the child’s bones and joints, and assess any potential damage to the growth plates.
Another challenge with diagnosing and treating fractures in children is that the child may not fully understand the severity of the injury and may not be able to communicate their pain level accurately. Therefore, parents and caregivers should observe the child’s behavior and look out for tell-tale signs of pain. Irritability, crying, and a reduced activity level may indicate greater pain levels.
Some ways to combat the pain include:
- Icing the injury
- Elevating the injured limb above heart level
- Over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, to effectively relieve pain
Children have remarkable bone-healing capabilities and can completely heal from simple fractures in as little as six weeks. Other things parents and caregivers can do to boost for their child’s full recovery include:
- Ensuring the child eats a balanced meal with calcium and vitamin D
- Following the doctor’s recommendation on activity restrictions
- Applying proper splint, boot, or cast care
Severe fractures or fractures that occur in the growth plates may take up to three months to heal. Follow up with the doctor and regularly monitor the injured limb to help prevent and detect any growth disturbances.
Child Fracture Treatment in Bismarck, ND
Children’s bones and joint structures are still developing, and a fracture may impede the child’s growth. For the highest-quality fracture care for your child, choose only a qualified orthopedic surgeon in North Dakota.
The orthopedic team at The Bone & Joint Center provides superior fracture care and treatment for children and are highly committed to their complete recovery. Our orthopedic specialists have trained at Level I trauma centers, which offer the most comprehensive and advanced care for all stages of trauma treatment.
To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic doctors, call our office today at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650 or use our convenient online request form. We look forward to providing your child the best in fracture treatment in North Dakota.
