Diagnosis
The reliable diagnosis is made by viewing the X-ray image. This reveals various identifying features that make a bead fracture very likely. In comparison to the healthy side, the X-ray image shows a round bulge, usually in the middle of the bone.
In addition, no two separate bone fragments are found. This means that no fracture gap can be seen in the X-ray image. Furthermore – and this is the reason for the injury’s name – a small bulge at the edge of the bone is visible, which is caused by the fact that the soft bone material of children accumulates here and has to be moved to this area due to the space available. The course of the accident also gives an indication of a possible bulge fracture. The course of the accident can be described by older children themselves, while younger children are dependent on the statements of observers.
On which bones does the bead fracture occur most frequently?
Long tubular bones, such as ulna and radius or tibia and fibula, are most susceptible to the occurrence of bead fractures. But there are also reports of bead fractures of the collarbone. However, the absolute majority of fractures occur in the part of the radius close to the hand in the area of the growth center of the bone, where its components are in any case somewhat softer in composition than in the rest of the bone.
What is the difference to a green wood fracture?
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