Fractures in kids

The Complete Guide to Bone Fractures in Kids and How to Treat Them

In kids, bones are still growing and changing, so it’s not uncommon for them to fracture a bone from time to time. Fractures of the bones in children can be caused by falls, sports injuries or even something as simple as slipping on ice and falling on your outstretched hand. If your child is unfortunate enough to experience a bone fracture, this article will give you all the information you need to know about how they happen and how to treat them.

Read on to find out more...

What are the types of bone fractures in children?

Bone fractures can be divided into two categories: open and closed fractures.

Open fractures occur when the bone breaks the skin and the skin around the area is left open and bleeding.

When a bone fracture is closed, the skin above and around the fracture remains intact.


Here are the different types of bone fractures in kids:

- Tapering fracture: This is where the bone breaks but doesn’t go all the way through the skin.

- Greenstick fracture: This is where the bone bends and doesn’t break all the way through.

- Comminuted fracture: This is where the bone breaks into more than two pieces.

- Spiral fracture: This is where the bone breaks and also rotates.

- Oblique fracture: This is where the bone breaks at an angle.

- Impacted fracture: This is where the bone breaks but doesn’t go all the way through.

- Compound fracture: This is where the bone breaks through the skin, either partially or completely.

kids fracture treatment in indore

Kids fracture are different than that of adults , so consult a Paediatric Orthopedic Surgeon


How do you know if your child has a fractured bone?

A broken bone is often indicated by swelling and bruising above or below where the break has occurred.

If you think your child may have broken a bone, contact your doctor immediately and don’t try to treat it yourself.

This is especially true if your child has a simple tapering fracture, as they usually heal on their own.

If your child has a more severe fracture, like a compound fracture, you will need to seek immediate medical attention.

A compound fracture is where the broken bone has broken through the skin.

If your child has a compound fracture, you will need to be very careful, as it is very dangerous to have an open wound.

If you’re not sure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and get your child checked out.

How are bone fractures treated in kids?

The treatment for broken bones in children will depend on the severity of the break.

If the break is simple, such as a tapering fracture, it will heal on its own, although your doctor may prescribe painkillers and recommend rest.

If the break is more serious, your doctor may use a cast or a brace to stabilize the break and speed up the healing time.

Some fractures, such as spiral and oblique fractures, may even need surgery to repair and realign the bone.

You will also likely be given instructions regarding your child’s activity level and when they can go back to playing sports.

Depending on the severity of the fracture, it could take weeks to months before your child is completely healed.

Myth about kids fracture 1 : if he can move , its not broken

Myth about kids fracture 1 : if he can move , its not broken

Tips for recovering from a child’s bone fracture

- Stay active:

While you and your child should definitely be careful after a fracture, you don’t have to sit on the couch and be sedentary. Just make sure your child doesn’t overdo it, and take breaks as needed.

- Rest:

While you should definitely stay active, you also need to make sure you are resting. After a fracture, your child will be in a lot of pain. Make sure they are taking the time they need to rest and recover.

- Follow your doctor’s advice:

Your doctor will most likely have a short list of things your child should be doing. Make sure they are following the advice of their doctor.

Myths about kids fracture | Dr Gaurav Jain

Myth #2 If it is broken, he will be in so much pain that I will know it’s broken

Sprains need hot water soaks to feel better

While using hot water may offer some momentary pleasure, it can really lead to a lot of discomfort and swelling issues. When you sprain your ankle, you need ice water. The swelling, which is a primary cause of the discomfort, can be reduced with ice. Additionally, it will assist block pain receptors.

Sprains need hot water soaks to feel better

Myth : Sprains need hot water soaks to feel better

While using hot water may offer some momentary pleasure, it can really lead to a lot of discomfort and swelling issues. When you sprain your ankle, you need ice water. The swelling, which is a primary cause of the discomfort, can be reduced with ice. Additionally, it will assist block pain receptors.

When to see a doctor after a child’s bone fracture

- If your child has a compound fracture, they should see a doctor immediately.

- If your child has swelling and bruising, they may have a fracture that needs to be checked out by a doctor.

- If your child is experiencing pain, they should also get checked out.

- If your child’s fracture is healing very slowly, or if it isn’t healing at all, they may need to be re-examined by a doctor.

- If your child is under a certain age, or has certain health conditions, like brittle bones, they may need to see a doctor more frequently.

Types of kids fractures

Types of kids fractures

Sprains are all part of growing up and do not require medical attention.

While it is true that children can sprain an ankle or wrist just by being their usual, active selves, they still require medical treatment to ensure that it heals correctly and without problems.

Final words

Fractures occur when a child breaks a bone that may be caused by a fall, a sports injury, or a child might fall and land on an outstretched hand.

Fractures can be broken down into two categories, open, and closed fractures.

There are many different types of fractures that can occur in children, and they will usually be treated based on the severity.

If your child has a fracture, don’t try to self-treat.

Get them checked out by a doctor as soon as possible, and make sure they follow their doctor’s advice.

When you have a child, you will have to be even more careful than you would be if you didn’t have kids.


Complications of kids fractures

Complications of kids fractures