Definition
Bone fractures in babies are fortunately relatively rare. After all, babies are usually well protected by their parents and do not dare, like older children, for example, to perform brave and risky climbing maneuvers. Nevertheless, bone fractures can occur in babies.
These are often associated with so-called birth traumas. These are injuries that can occur in the birth canal during birth. More frequently affected are babies who are already slightly larger and heavier than average in the womb.
The most frequently affected bone is the collarbone. Furthermore, it should be known that a fracture in children is often not the same as that of an adult. Especially the bones of babies are much more elastic and softer.
As a result, the bones do not break through “completely”, but a so-called “green wood fracture” occurs (the periosteum breaks on one side, but the opposite side remains intact, comparable to the breaking of a young green branch). It is extremely rare for bones to break through completely in babies/children. Fractures in babies/children also usually heal faster and often do not require surgery or fixation/immobilization.
Causes
Various causes can lead to bone fractures in babies. On the one hand, a birth canal that is too narrow can be a problem for babies that are too big. It is not uncommon to observe a collarbone fracture (fracture=fracture), as described above. Furthermore, falls of the baby, for example from a changing table or similar, can also lead to such injuries. Unfortunately, nowadays also the abuse of children by parents or third parties has to be mentioned as a cause for bone fractures in babies and children.
Diagnosis
In most cases, the first suspicious diagnoses can be made simply by relieving posture, asymmetrical movements or reflexes. Palpation (manual palpation examination) can also provide sufficient information in most cases. Sometimes an X-ray examination is used.
The concern of many parents that radiation will harm the child is “relatively” unfounded (note: this is not true for unborn children). The radiation intensity is approximately comparable to that of a plane trip. Nowadays, experienced ultrasound examiners can detect many fractures even in ultrasound, so an X-ray examination is not always necessary.
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