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Broken bones or fractures in children are common, occurring in as many as 40 percent of adolescent girls and 50 percent of boys. Most often the result of trauma such as a fall, these breaks vary in type and severity, factors which will play important roles in determining treatment and recovery.
Children's bones are softer than those of an adult and still in the process of growth. This makes them more susceptible to fracture. Fortunately, it also means that they are able to heal much faster. Breaks in children are typically the result of excessive force to the bone. This may be from a fall, trauma such as a car accident, or sports-related injury.
The break or fracture of a bone is going to cause some level of discomfort. However, just how much pain it may cause depends on factors such as severity and location. Not all broken bones present in the same ways. Here are some signs to watch for:
A bone may be broken entirely or partially, in one place or in multiple, by twisting or by force. There are many distinguishing characteristics of bone fractures, and each of these characteristics are used to classify the type of break into one of the following categories:
In order to diagnose bone fractures in children, an orthopedist will conduct a thorough physical examination along with one or more of the following imaging tests:
Fractures that occur in childhood must be carefully addressed to ensure they heal fully and the bone continues to grow properly. This means that treatment options must be thoughtfully weighed and selected. Typically, orthopedic physicians will use one or more of the following treatment methodoligies:
Although a broken bone may be normal in childhood, there are instances where a particular type of fracture or several fractures over a period of time indicates an underlying medical issue. Signs that should give parents concern, include:
Pediatric & Adult Orthopedic Trauma
Hip, Knee & Shoulder Reconstruction
Hip Preservation
Total Joint Replacement Surgery
Robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty
General Orthopedics
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