A fracture, a broken bone, and a fractured bone are all terms for the same condition. Since children’s bones are still growing, their fractures are different in some ways from adult fractures -especially in very young children. For example, broken bones heal more quickly in children than in adults. Also, any fracture that heals in a poor position can cause deformity of the fractured bone, but in children, such deformity is sometimes corrected as the bone continues to grow. However, if the poor position of the bone during healing shortens or rotates the bone, further growth of the bone will not correct the deformity. Also certain types of fractures in children (such as fractures through the growing areas called cartilage near both ends of long bones) may stop growth of the bone and cause major deformities.
Signs and symptoms
Deformity of the bone that can be seen or felt is the most obvious sign of a fracture. In many fractures, however, there is no visible deformity. Then you must look for other symptoms of a fracture. There is pain in the area of the fracture, which is aggravated by attempts to move the broken bone. There is tenderness to pressure, which is most severe at the point of the fracture. The fractured part does not function or move normally. There is swelling at the fracture site. Bruising often develops, but sometimes not until days later and often in areas many centimeters from the fracture.
Home care
If you think your child may have a fractured bone, see your doctor. The doctor will properly diagnose and treat the fracture and will give you instructions for caring for the child at home.
Of course, you must take certain precautions immediately after the injury occurs. Protect the injured part of the body and keep it from moving. If the arm or shoulder is fractured, the child will usually hold the arm in the most comfortable position with the other arm. If a leg fracture is suspected, prevent your child from putting weight on the leg. If splinting is required for your child’s arm or leg, a thick newspaper tied around or under the affected area is often the best splint. Once you have immobilized the fractured area in a comfortable position, take the child to your doctor.
If there is any possibility that the spine or neck may be fractured, do not move the child. Call for an ambulance and allow professionals to take the child to a doctor or emergency room.
Precautions
• Do not move an injured limb when applying a splint. Splint a possible fracture in the position you found it in; do not try to straighten it out to make it conform to the splint. • Have a doctor treat possible fractures.
Medical treatment
Your doctor will examine the injury and order X rays. Treatment will largely depend upon what bone is fractured and what the X rays show. If necessary, the doctor will return the fractured bone to its normal position for proper healing. A cast or mechanical pins may be used.
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