Pediatric Fracture Care

Broken bones in children require specialized care to ensure proper healing and healthy growth. Dr. Sheu is experienced in pediatric fracture care and is here to guide your child through a safe and effective recovery.

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Introduction

Fractures are common in children due to active play, sports, and accidents. Children’s bones are still growing, which makes pediatric fractures different from adult fractures. Proper evaluation and treatment are essential to ensure the bone heals correctly and does not affect future growth or function.

Broken Bones in Children

Children’s bones are softer and more flexible than adult bones. They also have growth plates, or physes, which are areas at the ends of bones where new bone grows. Fractures that involve the growth plate are called physeal fractures. These fractures require careful monitoring because they can affect bone growth if not properly treated.

How is a Fracture Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically includes a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays. The orthopedic specialist will assess the type, location, and severity of the fracture, including whether the growth plate is involved. This helps determine the best treatment plan for your child.

Treatments for Fractures in Children

Treatment depends on the type of fracture and the child’s age. Common treatments include:

Immobilization with casts, splints, or braces to keep the bone in proper alignment
Activity modification to allow healing while protecting the injured area
Pain management with age-appropriate medications
Monitoring growth especially for physeal fractures, to ensure the bone develops normally

Does My Child Need Surgery?

Surgery may be necessary if the fracture is displaced, involves the growth plate, or cannot be aligned properly with a cast. Surgical options can include pins, screws, or plates to stabilize the bone and promote correct healing. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons are trained to minimize risks to growth and function.

How Will A Broken Bone Affect My Child’s Growth?

Most fractures in children heal without affecting growth. Physeal fractures require careful follow-up to make sure the bone continues to grow normally. With proper treatment, children often regain full function and strength in the affected limb.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery depends on the fracture type, location, and your child’s age. After the bone begins to heal, gentle exercises may be recommended to restore strength and motion. Please don’t hesitate to request an appointment with our pediatric orthopedic specialist, Dr. Jonathan Sheu, who will guide you and your child through a tailored rehabilitation plan, ensuring a safe return to play, school, and daily activities while protecting the growth and development of the bone.

References

Rodríguez-Merchán EC. Pediatric Skeletal Trauma: A Review and Historical Perspective. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2005;(432):8-13.

Hubbard EW, Riccio AI. Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma: An Evidence-Based Approach. Orthop Clin North Am. 2018;49(2):195-210. doi:10.1016/j.ocl.2017.11.008.

Hosseinzadeh P, Rickert KD, Edmonds EW. What’s New in Pediatric Orthopaedic Trauma: The Upper Extremity. J Pediatr Orthop. 2020;40(4):e283-e286. doi:10.1097/BPO.0000000000001409.

Rickert KD, Hosseinzadeh P, Edmonds EW. What’s New in Pediatric Orthopaedic Trauma: The Lower Extremity. J Pediatr Orthop. 2018;38(8):e434-e439. doi:10.1097/BPO.0000000000001209.

Grossman J, Giliberti B, Dolitsky R, et al. Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2020;67(1):101-118. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2019.09.010.