Fractures in Children

Reginald Cooper, M.D.
Department of Orthopaedics
First Published: November 2001
Last Revised: February 2004
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

Table of Contents

A fracture is a break in the continuity of bone and/or cartilage. Management of the common fractures in children can be relatively easy, and the results are usually gratifying if a few fundamentals are skillfully applied. In contrast to the complex mechanical forces which break bones in adults, fractures in children result from simple injuries such as minor twists, falls on the outstretched arm and hand, fall from swing sets, etc. The types of breaks are rather characteristic, and prognosis is good and principles of treatment can be learned easily. A few fractures have serious implication, and these require care by an expert in children's fractures.

• Etiology
• Types of Fractures
• Diagnosis
• Management Goals
• Management Stages
• Methods of Management
• Complications