What is a Fracture?
What is a Fracture?
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone, and it is one of the most common injuries in children, especially due to their active lifestyles. Children’s bones are more flexible and less brittle than adult bones, which often helps prevent severe breaks. However, fractures still occur, typically from falls, sports injuries, or accidents.
Fractures in children can present as:
Greenstick Fractures: Where the bone bends and cracks on one side, but does not break all the way through (like bending a green twig).
Transverse Fractures: A straight break across the bone.
Oblique Fractures: A diagonal break across the bone.
Spiral Fractures: Often caused by twisting injuries, where the break spirals around the bone.
Comminuted Fractures: Where the bone breaks into several pieces (less common in young children).
Growth Plate Fractures: Injuries involving the epiphyseal plate (growth plate), which are critical to bone development in children.
Causes of Fractures in Children
Children can experience fractures due to a variety of causes, including:
Falls: From playing, climbing, or cycling.
Sports: Particularly high-contact or high-impact activities like football, basketball, or gymnastics.
Accidents: Car accidents or falls from a height.
Direct trauma: Being struck by an object or bumping into hard surfaces.
Symptoms of a Fracture in Children
Common signs that a child may have a fracture include:
Pain at the site of the injury.
Swelling or bruising around the affected area.
Deformity or unusual positioning of the limb.
Inability to use the limb, such as difficulty moving or bearing weight.
Tenderness when touching or moving the injured area.
Visible bone protrusion in severe fractures (open fractures).
Diagnosis of a Fracture
When a fracture is suspected, a healthcare professional will perform:
Physical Examination: To assess the injury and check for signs of a fracture such as swelling, deformity, or tenderness.
X-rays: These are the primary imaging techniques used to confirm the type and extent of the fracture. In some cases, further imaging (such as a CT scan or MRI) may be needed.
Special Tests: If a growth plate injury is suspected, specific tests may be performed to assess the potential impact on bone development.
Treatment of Children’s Fractures
The treatment of a fracture depends on several factors, including the age of the child, the type of fracture, the location of the fracture, and whether the bone is displaced or non-displaced. The goal of treatment is to restore the bone to its normal position, reduce pain, prevent complications, and allow the bone to heal properly.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Casting: For most simple fractures (non-displaced fractures), the bone is realigned (reduced) and held in position with a plaster cast or splint. The cast keeps the bone stable while it heals. Depending on the location of the fracture, the cast may be above or below the joint.
Duration: The child may need to wear the cast for several weeks, with regular follow-ups to ensure the bone is healing correctly.
Bracing: In some cases, a brace or splint may be used for minor fractures or fractures in places where a cast is not necessary.
Rest and Ice: If the fracture is minor or part of the healing process, the child may be advised to rest and apply ice to the injury to reduce swelling and pain.
Surgical Treatment
For more complex fractures or those that are displaced (where the bone fragments are not in their correct position), surgery may be required to realign the bone. Surgical procedures include:
Reduction: This is the process of realigning the bones to their proper position.This may be done under general or local anaesthesia, either closed reduction(without making an incision) or open reduction (making an incision to realign the bones if closed reduction is not possible).
Pinning, Screws, or Plates: In cases where the bones need additional support, a surgeon may use pins, screws, or plates to hold the bones in place while they heal. These devices may remain in the bone or be removed once healing is complete.
Growth Plate Fractures: Special care is taken with fractures involving the growth plates, as they are critical for bone development. Depending on the severity, surgery may be needed to avoid disrupting the growth of the bone and ensure proper alignment.
Why Choose Mr. Tahir Khan for Treatment of Children’s Fractures?
Mr. Tahir Khan is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), with a specialist focus on paediatric orthopaedic care, including the treatment of children’s fractures. He has extensive experience in managing musculoskeletal injuries in children of all ages, from infants to adolescents.
His approach is tailored to each child’s specific needs, ensuring that treatment is not only effective but also mindful of the growing bones and long-term development. Mr. Khan is particularly skilled in:
Minimally invasive surgical techniques, where appropriate, to promote faster recovery and minimise scarring. Growth plate preservation, using specialised techniques to ensure proper development in cases of fractures affecting the growth plates.
Holistic, child-friendly care, working closely with families to explain treatment plans and ensure the best possible outcomes for young patients.
With access to the world-class facilities of the RNOH, Mr. Khan’s expertise, particularly in paediatric orthopaedic surgery, ensures that children with fractures receive the best possible care and treatment.
What to Expect During Treatment with Mr. Khan
Initial Consultation: Mr. Khan will evaluate your child’s injury, including a thorough physical examination and imaging studies (X-ray, MRI, or CT scan) to determine the type and extent of the fracture. He will discuss the treatment options and help you make an informed decision.
Pre-Surgical Preparation: If surgery is necessary, Mr. Khan and his team will prepare your child by explaining the procedure and addressing any concerns. Preoperative assessments, such as blood tests or health evaluations, may also be performed.
Surgery (If Required): If surgery is required, Mr. Khan will perform the procedure using the least invasive approach possible to ensure quick healing and minimal discomfort. Post-operative care will focus on managing pain, reducing swelling, and ensuring the bones remain properly aligned.
Post-Surgery Care: After surgery, your child will be closely monitored during recovery. A tailored rehabilitation plan will help restore strength and function to the injured limb, and follow-up appointments will ensure that the fracture is healing properly.
Long-Term Follow-Up: Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to assess healing, ensure that there are no complications, and monitor the child’s growth and development as needed.
Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy
Healing Time: The healing time for fractures depends on the type and location of the injury, as well as the child’s age. Simple fractures typically heal within 4-6 weeks, while more complex fractures may take longer.
Physical Therapy: After the bone has healed, physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the affected limb. This is particularly important for fractures that affect the joint or involve the growth plates.
Return to Activity: Your child may need to avoid sports and physical activities for a period after the fracture to allow for complete healing. A gradual return to activity will be advised based on the severity of the fracture.
Contact Information
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Mr. Tahir Khan, please contact:
- Royal National Orthopaedic
- Portland
- Princess Grace
- Spire Bushey Hospital