![]() This can cause confusion for parents and patients. Sometimes the initial X-rays will not show a fracture even when one is present. X-rays will often show if a fracture involves the growth plate. The doctor will tell you if the fracture involves the growth plate and if there is a potential growth plate problem, which depends on the type and site of the injury. The good news is that although fractures often involve the growth plate, rarely is it a problem. Occasionally there can be a disturbance of the normal growth resulting in a bone shortening or angulation. The growth plate is a very active region of the bone and represents the location of continued growth of that individual bone. If the fracture involves the ends of the bone, the growth plate may be involved. Complications are rare but can include infection and lack of bone healing.A fracture in a child can be very different from a fracture in the same location in an adult. Keeping your injury from moving and elevating it will decrease swelling.įixation devices - such as wires, plates, nails or screws - may be needed to maintain proper position of your bones during healing. If the fracture didn't break the skin, your doctor may wait to conduct surgery until the swelling has decreased. Surgery is required to stabilize some fractures. After your cast or sling is removed, your doctor may recommend additional rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy to restore muscle strength, joint motion and flexibility. In most cases, it's important, if possible, to begin some motion to minimize stiffness while you're wearing your cast or sling. Rehabilitation begins soon after initial treatment. If you're experiencing severe pain, you may need to take a prescription medication that contains a narcotic for a few days. ![]() To reduce pain and inflammation, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever. Your doctor may ask you to return for more X-rays during the healing process to make sure the bones haven't shifted. In the meantime, you'll likely wear a splint. If your broken bone requires a cast, your doctor will likely wait until the swelling goes down, usually five to seven days after injury. To do this, you may need to wear a splint, sling, brace or cast. Restricting movement of a broken bone is critical to healing. Depending on the amount of pain and swelling you have, you may need a muscle relaxant, a sedative or even a general anesthetic before this procedure. If you have a displaced fracture, your doctor may need to manipulate the pieces back into their proper positions - a process called reduction. This type of fracture is also more common in children. Buckle (torus) fracture – One side of the bone is compressed, which causes the other side to bend (buckle).Most broken bones in children are greenstick fractures, because a child's bones are more flexible than those of an adult. Greenstick fracture – The bone cracks but doesn't break all the way through - like what happens when you try to break a green stick of wood.Comminuted fracture – The bone is broken into pieces, which may require surgery for complete healing.Displaced fracture – The bone fragments on each side of the break aren't aligned, which may require surgery for complete healing.Closed fracture – The skin remains unbroken.This is a serious condition that requires immediate, aggressive treatment to decrease the risk of infection. Open (compound fracture) – The broken bone pierces the skin.A more complicated break might require surgery to realign the broken bone and to implant wires, plates, nails or screws to maintain proper alignment during healing.įractures are classified into one or more of the following categories: However, the bone may require realignment (reduction) in the emergency room. A simple break may be treated with a sling, ice and rest. Treatment depends on the site and severity of your injury. Occasionally, your doctor may also recommend another scan, such as an MRI, to obtain more detailed images. Then, your provider is likely to order X-rays to determine the severity of the fracture and pinpoint the location of the break. ![]() It’s important to treat a fracture as soon as possible to ensure proper healing.įirst, you’ll discuss any symptoms you're having and explain how you injured yourself while the provider examines your injury. If you think you or your child has broken a bone, seek prompt medical attention.
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