1. Bend Me, Break Me
Since children's bones are different from those of adults, the fractures are too. In fact, even if a child and adult have a fracture in the same place, the fractures can be different. This is because a thick fibrous sheath covers children's bones. This fiber allows children's bones to do a lot more bending before a fracture happens. This fiber, called the periosteum, also helps a child's fracture heal faster. This bendability leads orthopedists to see more of a variety of fractures among children than adults, which probably accounts for the growing number of pediatric orthopedists.
2. Secure Bone Growth
The biggest concern with children's fractures is damage to the growth plate. Children's bones include growth plates at the ends of long bones like those in the legs and arms. When a fracture goes through the growth plate, it can disturb normal growth. Although the bones correct themselves in most fractures, orthopedists must monitor growth plate injuries to make sure the growth of a bone isn't stunted. Doctors use X-rays in diagnosing potential problems to a growth plate. However, sometimes X-rays appear normal, but there is swelling at the sight. Often, a doctor will still treat for a fracture. Doctors also use X-rays to monitor a growth plate for up to two years after a broken bone.
3. It Isn't Easy Being Green
One of the most common fractures found in children are green stick fractures. In these fractures, only one side of the bone breaks; the other side remains unbroken. Nothing about the fracture is the color green. Rather, it's similar to what happens when you try to break a young or green stick. Orthopedists often manually reduce green stick fractures and cast them.
4. Cast Away
Casting works well for most broken bones that children experience. Splinting may precede a cast, because many broken bones swell and cannot be successfully casted. Instead, a broken arm is kept immobile in a splint for a few days until the swelling goes down. Once the arm is a normal size, the doctor applies a cast to align the bone for healing. If it's summer, ask if your child can have a waterproof cast. Serious fractures may require surgery, such as an open fracture where the bone is exposed or fractures that go into a joint or move a growth plate. Tricky fractures like splintered bone that catches on muscle and tissue need surgery too. Again, once swelling goes down, a cast is applied to the broken bone.
5. Keep the Blues Away
Parents need to monitor casts for more reasons than the fact that Junior uses it as a club on his brother. Watch for swelling fingers with a casted arm or the toes of broken legs. Try to elevate the cast higher than the heart. If this doesn't relieve swelling or if fingers or toes appear bluish and cold, call the doctor. Also, make the doctor aware of children complaining of numbness, tingling or pain. The cast is likely too tight and causing problems with circulation, which needs immediate attention.
