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Fractures in Children
When Your Child Breaks a Bone
Christopher K. Smith, M.D., Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Specializing in Adult and Pediatric Orthopedics

Children are active, adventurous and not always careful. That combination, unfortunately, often leads to broken bones or fractures – among the most common injuries sustained by children and a leading reason to see an orthopedic surgeon.

"In children, broken bones are often the result of an accidental fall, a sports injury or a vehicle accident," says Christopher K. Smith, M.D., board certified orthopedic surgeon at Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas. "Falling off a skateboard or bike, crashing down from the playground jungle gym or colliding with another soccer player are common scenarios leading to broken bones."

How Pediatric Orthopedics Is Unique
"Bones in children are different from adult bones in a number of ways," says Dr. Smith. "That means that how we treat broken bones in children may differ from the way we treat fractures in adults."

For example, children's bones have a remarkable ability to heal quickly and the younger the child, the more this is true. "This capacity for healing allows orthopedic specialists to cast or splint children's bones as they heal, rather than requiring a surgical option, which is more common in adults," Dr. Smith says. Because children are growing, their bones contain growth plates where new bone cells divide quickly. "A fracture in or near a child's growth plate can have major long-term effects," says Dr. Smith. "As it heals, this type of injury requires close supervision by a pediatric orthopedist to help avoid permanent growth problems in the child."

Children's bones are also extremely pliable, which means a bone could bend, rather than break during an injury or accident.

A Closer Look at Fractures
Dr. Smith identifies the following types of fractures that could occur in children:

• A single fracture – the bone is broken in one place only.
• A comminuted fracture – the bone is broken into two or more pieces or crushed.
• A complete fracture – the bone is completely broken into two pieces.
• A greenstick fracture – the bone is cracked only on one side, not completely through.
• An open fracture – the bone is sticking through the skin.
• A bowing fracture – the bone bends but doesn't break; this can only happen in children.

"With most severe breaks, your child will experience sharp pain and you will most likely be aware that a bone is broken," says Dr. Smith. "However, there are many cases – especially if the fracture is small – when your child may not feel pain at all and you won't know if a bone is broken. If an accident or injury has occurred, it's best to bring your child in for an examination and x-rays. Without timely treatment of a fracture, the bone will begin to heal itself – often in a compromised position."

Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas offers the latest diagnostic tools and casting/splinting options for bone fractures in adults, as well as children. Please call 866-567-4130 for more information on pediatric orthopedics or for an appointment with Dr. Smith.