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Paediatric Fractures

Sri Balaji Hospital offers expert pediatric fracture treatment in Chennai to ensure the well-being of your child and alleviate their pain.
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Precision Treatment for Pediatric Fractures

The anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of pediatric bones differ from those of adult bones, giving rise to distinct fracture patterns, healing processes, and treatment approaches. At Sri Balaji Hospital, we offer expert treatment tailored for pediatric fractures, ensuring comprehensive and specialised care.

A medical expert in uniform doing orthopaedic care to the child.
How common are paediatric fractures
Approximately 25% of paediatric injuries result in fractures in children. Most of these fractures are simple and non-life or limb-threatening. Paediatric fractures also have excellent healing capacity compared to adults.
Commonest sites for paediatric fractures
Most paediatric fractures are low intensity and occur due to falls with the outstretched hand (for example, while cycling, running or playing). Given that the fall is frequently cushioned by the hand, fractures tend to primarily affect the wrist, forearm, or elbow. While fractures in other areas of the body or limbs can indeed occur, they are less common and typically involve higher-velocity injuries, such as road traffic accidents or falls from significant heights.
Why paediatric fractures have better healing capabilities
The child’s bone is more porous and has a lower modulus of elasticity when compared to an adult's bone. Therefore, a child’s bone has a better chance of resisting deforming forces (fracture-creating forces). In children, the periosteum surrounding their bones is notably thicker, denser, and stronger, leading to quicker healing times for fractures compared to similar fractures in adults.

Anatomy of the Paediatric Bone

The paediatric bone is made up of 4 main zones

Image showing the anatomy of the Paediatric Bone.
Diaphysis
The Epiphysis
Metaphysis
Physis

Types of the Paediatric Fractures

01 Micro fractures
02 Buckle Fractures
03 Greenstick fractures
04 Complete fractures
05 Physeal fractures
These types of fractures are unique to children (Not seen in adults). This type of fracture typically arises from the microscopic weakening of bone strength, leading to a fracture that is often difficult to detect through X-ray imaging.
  • Preferred treatment option: Simple immobilization.
  • Estimated healing time: 10 to 14 days.
These are referred to as "compression fractures," a type of stable fracture.
  • Preferred treatment option: Simple immobilisation.
  • Estimated healing time: 3 to 4 weeks.
These fractures occur due to the bending of the impacted bone, leading to a break at the convex surface of the bone during the bending impact.
  • Preferred treatment option: POP cast application with moulding of the fracture site if displacement or deformity is visible on a simple X-ray.
  • Estimated healing time: 4 to 8 weeks.
These injuries involve a complete break of the bone from one wall to the other, resulting in a crack or break that extends across the entire width of the bone.
  • Treatment options: POP cast application/ usage of wires for unstable fractures.
  • Estimated healing time: 4 to 6 weeks.
These fractures entail both the breakage of the bone and the growth plate.
  • Treatment options: Open or closed reduction of the fracture under anaesthesia with/ without the use of external wires (Kirschner wire), internal wires (TENS nail) or plate & screw fixation.
  • Estimated healing time: 4 to 8 weeks.

Frequently  Asked Questions

When should I suspect the possibility that my child may have sustained a fracture?
  • The commonest complaint of the child will be pain. When you look closer, you will notice swelling and possibly bruising of the swollen area. In rare cases, you might find a deformity of the limb, which, of course, would signify a complete fracture of the bone/ bones in that area of the body.
  • These complaints will usually be preceded by a history of a fall (while cycling, running, playing, etc.).
    Following the fall, the child will instinctively attempt to keep the affected limb as immobile as possible, as they are acutely aware that even the slightest movement of the injured bone can cause intense pain.
What can I, as a parent, do if I suspect that my child may have sustained a fracture?

Apply ice and immobilise the injured limb with a sling or cuff & collar. You can visit one of our orthopaedic specialists, who will accurately confirm whether your child has a fracture and guide you further on the simplest way to effectively treat your child’s injury.

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Sri Balaji Hospital is a centre for Orthopaedics and Traumatology and is unwavering in its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare at affordable rates. Our dedication stems from the belief that you, the community, are at the core of every endeavour, deserving nothing less than the utmost care.
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