How Common Are Broken Bones Among Children?

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), about one in three children will experience a fracture before reaching adulthood. Fractures are more prevalent during childhood and adolescence compared to other age groups. This can be attributed to factors such as increased physical activity, participation in sports, and a higher risk-taking behavior.

Certain activities and situations may increase the likelihood of fractures in children:

• Falls: Falling while running, climbing, or participating in sports activities is a common cause of fractures in children.
• Sports injuries: Participation in contact sports or activities with a higher risk of falls, collisions, or impact, such as football, basketball, skateboarding, or biking, can lead to fractures.
• Playground accidents: Falls from playground equipment or accidents while playing on swings, slides, or monkey bars can result in fractures.
• Accidents and trauma: Motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, or other significant traumas can cause fractures in children.

What are the Different Types of Fractures Seen In Kids?

1. Greenstick fracture: This is a partial fracture where the bone bends and cracks but doesn’t break completely. Greenstick fractures are more common in children due to their softer, more flexible bones.
2. Complete fracture: In this type of fracture, the bone breaks completely into two or more separate pieces. Complete fractures can be further classified based on the direction and pattern of the break, such as transverse fractures (straight across the bone), oblique fractures (diagonal break), or spiral fractures (twisted break).
3. Buckle or torus fracture: This fracture occurs when one side of the bone compresses or buckles upon itself, causing a visible bulge or raised area on the opposite side of the bone. Buckle fractures are often stable and typically occur in the forearm bones.
4. Growth plate fracture: Growth plates are areas of developing cartilage located near the ends of long bones, responsible for bone growth. Fractures involving the growth plate, known as physeal fractures, require special attention as they can affect bone growth and development. They are more common in older children and adolescents.
5. Stress fracture: Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse. They are more commonly seen in athletes or children involved in high-impact activities like running or jumping.
6. Compression fracture: Compression fractures occur when the bone collapses or is compressed, often seen in the spine due to high-impact falls or trauma.

How to Treat a Broken Bone in Kids Depending on the Severity

1.     Immobilization with a cast or splint: For stable fractures where the bones are aligned and unlikely to shift, immobilization with a cast or splint is often sufficient. The cast or splint holds the broken bone in place, allowing it to heal properly. Casts are made of hard material (plaster or fiberglass) and are applied around the injured area. Splints, which are less rigid, may be used initially if there is significant swelling, and then followed by a cast once the swelling subsides.

2.     Closed reduction: In some cases, the fractured bone may need to be realigned through a procedure called closed reduction. This is typically done under anesthesia or sedation to ensure the child’s comfort. After realigning the bones, a cast or splint is applied to keep them in the proper position.

3.     Traction: Traction is used in more complex fractures or cases where realignment is difficult. It involves gently pulling the bones using weights and pulleys to align them properly. Traction is typically used for longer periods and may require hospitalization.

 Conclusion

In conclusion, broken bones are relatively common among children, with approximately one in three experiencing a fracture before reaching adulthood, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The prevalence of fractures in children can be attributed to factors such as increased physical activity, participation in sports, and a higher propensity for risk-taking behavior.

Various activities and situations, including falls, sports injuries, playground accidents, and trauma, contribute to the likelihood of fractures in children. Different types of fractures seen in kids include greenstick fractures, complete fractures, buckle or torus fractures, growth plate fractures, stress fractures, and compression fractures.