Causes
A bead fracture is a compression fracture. This means that the cause of the fracture is a compression fracture of the bone. This compression must take place approximately in the longitudinal direction of the bone, as this is how the characteristic bulge is formed around the bone.
Since the fracture occurs in the growth centers of the bones, the so-called metaphyses, these fractures typically occur in childhood, when the bones are still somewhat more elastic. The most common bone affected is the radius of the forearm. These fractures occur when children fall and catch themselves with their hands.
The arms hit the ground vertically and are compressed. The shin bone is also frequently affected. This happens when children jump or fall from a greater height and land on their feet, causing the legs to be compressed.
The bulge fracture often affects children between five and ten years of age. The bones are still very flexible at this age and the children are often very active. The fractures therefore usually occur during romping and climbing.
One cause can be, for example, catching when skating, since the fall happens at a higher speed than when running. Children who move less often and therefore have poorer motor skills are more often affected. However, bruises, for example in a closing house or car door, can also cause such a break. Overall, the force applied must not be too great to cause the bead to break.
Prognosis
The prognosis of a bead fracture is very good. There are almost no known cases in which conservative treatment would have caused further problems. Due to the fact that the growth centers of the bones are not manipulated any further, the further longitudinal growth of the bones also functions relatively smoothly.
In most cases, a bead fracture heals without consequences within a few weeks. Only in rare cases do complications occur, such as a renewed fracture or crooked coalescence.This can be well treated by surgery. Fractures affecting the growth plates can lead to growth problems in the affected bone in some children.
All articles in this series:
