Aftercare | Childhood bone fracture

Aftercare

A special post-treatment (in general) is not necessary. The after-treatment always depends on the circumstances of the individual bone fracture. However, attention should be paid to the early removal of any foreign material (wires, flaps, screws, etc.)

that may have been introduced during surgery. To be able to exclude growth disorders with certainty, all fractures of the growth plate, all fractures of joints and legs should be checked. This check should be carried out over a period of two years, but at least until growth is complete.

Frequent childhood bone fractures

The most common fracture of the arm in childhood is the so-called distal radius fracture (wrist fracture), i.e. the fracture of the radius directly above the wrist. Shaft fractures are 50 times more common than fractures of the epiphysis (growth plate). Injuries to the elbow are also very common.

These are mostly elbow dislocations, especially dislocations of the head of the radius (med. Radius head = Chassaignac dislocation). Dislocations are dislocations.

The special dislocation of the head of the radius, in most cases it is not a complete dislocation, which is medically called subluxation. The medical name of this dislocation is Chassaignac dislocation. Children more often suffer a fracture of the bone shaft than of the joints.

Fractures of the joints are much more difficult to treat. However, they occur on the arms, especially the forearm, about twice as often as on the legs. Fractures of the lower shinbone account for about 7 percent of fractures in children and adolescents. You can find more information on the infantile forearm fracture under our topic: infantile forearm fracture.

Summary

Fractures in childhood are common. They are special because the little patients are still in the growth phase and so is their bones. Children have – as long as they are growing – a so-called growth plate in their bones.

These can be used to classify fractures (Aitken and Salter). The severity of the fracture and its consequences can also be determined in this way. The symptoms are the same as in adults: In order to secure the diagnosis, an x-ray image must usually be taken.

In children, the therapy can be performed conservatively, i.e. with a plaster cast. Operations are only necessary in certain cases. A concrete follow-up treatment is not necessary.

However, material introduced during the operation should be removed early on. Children who have suffered high-risk fractures (fractures of the growth plate, joints or legs) should be examined regularly for growth disorders.

• Pain
• Swelling and
• Bruises (haematoma).