Pediatric Fractures: Types, Causes, and Symptoms
Broken bones, commonly known as fractures, are among the most frequent injuries to the hand region in children. Many things, both purposeful and accidental, can contribute to it. Due to their delicate bones, children between the ages of three and eight are more likely to shatter a bone.
Children most frequently break their bones in the wrists, arms, fingers, knees, ankles, and other closed areas. It indicates that the skin does not reveal the broken bone. Rarely, because of severe traumas, fractures are categorised as complex or open.
Types of Pediatric Fractures
Because their bones are softer after a fracture, they flex instead of breaking, but the periosteum is stronger. According to the orthopedic doctor in Kanpur, the majority of fractures in children fall into one of these categories:
- A portion of the greenstick fractures on one side and a bend on the other
- Torus fracture – this occurs at the pillar’s basal cortex.
- Hairline fracture – it is a little crack that does not extend all the way inside the bone.
- Single fracture – occurs when a bone breaks in just one spot.
- Segmental fracture – when there are many fractures in a single bone.
- Comminuted fracture – the bone breaks into tiny fragments.
- A corner or bucket fracture – is a break in the bone that occurs at one or both of the femurs’ distal ends.
Causes of Pediatric Fractures
- While engaging in physical activities such as swimming, karate, dancing, or any other type of play.
- Accidentally crushing and slamming fingers while performing other tasks.
- Accidentally hitting your fingers, arms, or legs with a hard fall.
- The development of epiphysis or growth plates, among other medical conditions, increases the risk of bone fractures.
Signs and Symptoms of Pediatric Fractures
According to an orthopedic doctor in Kanpur, when a person has a compound fracture, the fractured bone is readily apparent, but there are other signs as well.
- Severe localised pain
- Redness and swelling in the vicinity
- Abnormality of the fingers, legs, or arms
- Moving the shattered area is difficult.
- Heat, contusions, and illness
How is a Pediatric Fracture Diagnosed by the Orthopedic Doctor in Kanpur?
By doing diagnostic tests and performing an examination, your orthopedic doctor establishes the diagnosis. You will be questioned by the orthopedic doctor in Kanpur about your child’s medical history and the nature of the injury during the examination.
Additionally, your youngster might require:
- X-rays – Images of internal organs, bones, and tissues are produced by this test.
- MRI – This test creates detailed images of the body’s organs and architecture using radio waves, big magnets, and a computer.
- CT scan – In order to provide precise photographs of the body, this examination makes use of computers and X-rays. The organs, fat, muscles, and bones are all seen in detail on a CT scan. Compared to standard X-rays, the test has more detail.
How is a Pediatric Fracture Treated?
According to the orthopedic doctor in Kanpur your child’s age, overall health, and symptoms will all affect the course of treatment. Additionally, it will rely on how severe the situation is.
According to an orthopedic doctor an emergency is when a fracture is open. At this point, the bone pierces the skin. Or in cases where a deep hole in the epidermis exposes the bone. Contact your orthopedic doctor in Kanpur immediately to receive medical assistance.
In order for your child to be able to use the broken area normally again, the treatment’s objectives are to manage the discomfort, promote bone healing, and avert problems.
Possible courses of treatment are:
- Cast or Splint – This immobilises the fractured bone till it mends.
- Health care – There are medications that can reduce discomfort.
- Traction – In order to help the shattered bone ends align and mend, this treatment gently extends the surrounding muscles and tendons. Pulleys, strings, weights, and a metal frame that is either on top of or affixed to the bed are used.
- Surgery – Surgery can be necessary for your child to realign some types of broken bones. To hold the broken bone fragments in place, the orthopaedic surgeons in Kanpur may occasionally insert metal rods or pins outside the body or inside the bone. This aids in their proper healing posture.
Key Points Regarding a Pediatric Fracture
- A partial or total break in the bone is called a fracture.
- When a bone is subjected to more force than it can withstand, a fracture occurs. It may result from trauma, falls, overuse injuries, or direct hits to the body.
- When a child breaks a bone, they could experience discomfort, edema, and difficulty moving the affected area.
- Surgery, pain medication, and casts or splints are possible forms of treatment.