Paediatric Fractures

Fractures in children are unique due to the more flexible nature of children's bones compared to adult bones and the fact children's bones are still growing.

Due to their ongoing growth, compared to adults, the position of fractures in children can be accepted in more displaced and angulated positions. The degree of displacement and angulation accepted will vary according to the bone involved, the location of the fracture in the bone, and the age of the child. As children reach adolescence their bone behaves more like a skeletally mature adult.

Common paediatric fractures include

• Torus 'buckle' fractures of the distal radius (wrist)
• Greenstick fractures of the distal radius (wrist or forearm)
• Toddlers fractures of the tibia

Paediatric fractures are still treated in a similar fashion to adult fractures. Simple fractures may simply require splints, slings or plaster casts. Fractures which are very displaced,angulated, open, or involve the growth plates may require surgery.