Broken bones are a common occurrence in childhood. Kids are active! But some fractures are much more serious, especially if they are caused by great force, occur in multiple places, or affect growth plates. Orthopedic injuries encompass a wide range of problems affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- What They Are: A fracture is a break in a bone. Orthopedic injuries encompass a wider range of damage to the musculoskeletal system.
- Common types include arm fractures (wrist, forearm, elbow), leg fractures (tibia, fibula, femur), collarbone fractures, and occasionally, skull fractures. Sprains (ligament injuries), strains (muscle/tendon injuries), and dislocations are also common.
- Causes: Falls are the most common reason, accounting for over 50% of all child fractures. Sports injuries (e.g., football, soccer, gymnastics), bicycle accidents, car accidents, and playground accidents are also frequent causes. Child abuse can also, unfortunately, be a cause of severe fractures in young children.
- Statistics:
- Fractures are the most common type of injury in children, with one in four children experiencing at least one fracture before age 18.
- In 2021, over 1.6 million children aged 14 and younger were treated in emergency departments for musculoskeletal injuries.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis involves physical examination and X-rays. Treatment includes immobilization (such as casts or splints), sometimes surgery (to set bones with pins, plates, or screws), and then rehabilitation (physical therapy) to regain strength and range of motion.
- Impact on Growth: This is the critical difference for children. Many fractures occur near growth plates, which are areas of cartilage at the ends of long bones where bone growth occurs. If a growth plate is damaged, it can cause the bone to grow unevenly, stop growing, or grow crooked. This can lead to lifelong limb length differences, angular deformities, or other orthopedic issues that require multiple surgeries as the child grows.
- Long-Term Outlook: While many broken bones heal well, severe or growth plate-related fractures can lead to long-term pain, weakness, limited range of motion, chronic arthritis, or a need for future surgeries. They can impact a child’s ability to participate fully in sports or everyday activities.
Don’t Face the Unthinkable Alone: Act Now to Protect Your Child’s Future.
The silence of a child’s broken bone is deafening. It’s a tragedy no family should ever endure, especially when it could have been prevented. If your child suffered a devastating bone injury, or if you lost a child due to someone else’s negligence call us today!
