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It's no secret that kids are full of energy and curiosity. They are constantly on the move and exploring their surroundings. Thus, bumps, tumbles, and falls just become an adventurous part of their healthy childhood lives. Unfortunately, sometimes, those adventures lead to broken bones and fractures. Whether it's a fall from the playground monkey bars, a collision during sports practice, or simply a misstep at home, children are prone to accidents that can result in fractures.
Treating broken bones and fractures in children requires careful attention and appropriate medical care. If you suspect any signs of broken bones, you must take immediate medical attention. There are also measures that you, as a parent or caregiver, can take to manage these conditions.
Synopsis
Understanding Broken Bones and Fractures in Children
Your kid may experience different kinds of fractures. To implement the right treatment, you must have a brief knowledge of the types.
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Greenstick Fractures: When the bone bends and cracks but doesn't completely break.
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Buckle Fractures: The bone gets squished or compressed but doesn't break all the way. They're also called "torus" fractures.
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Displaced Fractures: When the pieces of a broken bone don’t stay lined up. Medical professionals use necessary measures to put everything back in place!
The common causes of the fractures are:
- Falling from something
- Tripping over something
- Injury from playing
- Other accidents
So, be cautious of your kid’s activities. Keep an eye on their movements to reduce the risk of fractures.
You can look for the below signs to detect broken bones as early as possible.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Deformity
- Difficulty moving
Sometimes, there might be no symptoms of fractures. This is why it is important to run some tests, like X-rays, to diagnose the condition.
The Importance of Proper Treatment and Care
Without prompt and appropriate care, fractures can lead to complications. This includes improper healing, deformity, or long-term disability. By prioritising proper treatment and care, you can help your children heal effectively and minimise complications.
First, let us understand the steps you can take to handle this condition.
The first step should be to stay calm. Reassure your child that everything will be fine. Apply this to yourself as well. Avoid taking additional stress. Breathe and keep yourself in control.
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Assess the Situation
Now, check for any signs of severe bleeding. For example, blood soaking through clothing. Look for deformities, swelling, or bruising around the injured area. Ask your child about where they are feeling the pain. Ask them to explain the type of pain and try to understand it.
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Immobilise the Injured Area
If possible, encourage your child to keep still. Do not move their injured limb or body part. If there's an open fracture (bone protruding through the skin), avoid pushing the bone back in. You can protect the wound with a sterile dressing.
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Control Swelling
Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a thin cloth to the injured area. This can reduce swelling and ease pain. Do not place the ice directly on the skin. Or else there will be frostbite.
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Elevate the Injured Limb
If it's a limb fracture, elevate the injured limb. This will minimise swelling.
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Provide Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain medications can be given. For example, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The suitable dosage will depend on your child's age and weight. You can consult an experienced medical specialist or follow the instructions on the medication packaging.
Now, if you understand that you can fix or manage this situation by yourself, you must call for emergency assistance. It is always best to seek medical attention for proper care and treatment. Self-diagnosis and treatment can complicate the issue.
Never attempt to set the bone yourself. Improper manipulation can lead to further injury.
Treatment Options
Depending on the type of fracture, the doctor will recommend non-surgical or surgical treatments.
Non-Surgical Treatments
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Casting: A special material is used to make a hard outer shell. This is worn to keep the bone in place while it heals.
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Splinting: Sometimes, if the fracture isn't too bad, a splint might be enough. It is like a temporary cast. It is not heavy, but it can hold the bone in place during the healing process.
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Bracing: These are generally used if there is a fracture in the spine or certain joints. It is like a special support that wraps around the injured area to provide extra protection.
Surgical Treatments
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Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation (CRIF): Doctors use special tools and techniques to realign the bone fragments. This minimally invasive technique incorporates internal fixation devices (like screws, plates, or rods) to hold them together while the wound heals.
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Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This measure is used when the fracture is really bad or the bones are in lots of pieces. OIRF is a little more invasive than CRIF but uses internal fixation tools only.
Recovery of Broken Bones in Children
The broken bone forces your child not to use their muscles a lot. This results in weakened muscles. That's where rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy come in! Targeted exercises will help them get back their strength, flexibility, and movement. Additionally, it also prevents stiffness.
Follow the recommendations and treatment plan provided by the orthopaedic surgeon to ensure faster and more effective recovery.
Once the healing process is complete and their bones start feeling stronger, it's time to ease back into regular activities. Allow them to start slow and listen to their body. If you notice any abnormality, make sure to give them the time to back up to their usual level of activity. Tell them that being patient means they can return to normalcy safely without re-injuring themselves.
Remember, your child may be scared or anxious after experiencing a fracture. Be there for them. Offer emotional support and comfort. Help them feel more secure.
Go to all follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor the healing progress. Follow any restrictions or recommendations regarding activities to prevent re-injury.
Consult the top orthopaedician in Bangalore at Manipal Hospitals, Hebbal.
FAQ's
The timeline for the healing of a broken bone in children can vary. It depends on their age, type and location of the fracture, and the effectiveness of treatment. In general, most fractures heal within 4 to 8 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions and attend all the follow-up consultations to monitor progress and ensure proper healing.
Yes, because after cast removal, your child's muscles may be weak from lack of use. They also experience stiffness and a limited range of motion. Physical therapy will help regain the flexibility. It will also restore their bone strength and function. The doctor will guide you if physiotherapy is needed and for how long you need to follow it.
Returning to physical activities or sports after a broken bone depends on the type and severity of the fracture. It is also determined by how well the wound has healed. It's essential to follow your doctor's recommendations regarding activity restrictions. Generally, they can gradually return to normal activities. Most children can resume low-impact activities and sports once the fracture has fully healed and they have regained strength and mobility. However, high-impact or contact sports may need to be avoided for a longer period to minimise the risk of re-injury.
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