Why Children Need Special Fracture Care

Children are not just small adults Their bones are still growing and have growth plates that are more vulnerable to injury but also give them more ability to remodel after a fracture Some fractures that would be treated surgically in adults can be managed with closed reduction and casting in children because of this remodelling capacity but injuries to growth plates or joint surfaces need meticulous attention to avoid long term deformity or joint problems Paediatric fracture care therefore requires knowledge of growth specific fracture patterns and paediatric friendly techniques

Common Childhood Fracture Patterns

Children commonly present with greenstick and buckle fractures where the bone bends or partially breaks but remains in continuity due to its pliability They may also suffer complete displaced fractures supracondylar fractures around the elbow forearm fractures involving both radius and ulna and fractures involving the growth plate region at the ends of long bones With increasing sports participation ligament avulsion injuries and physeal stress injuries are also seen Special consideration is given to fractures around the elbow and wrist where growth plate damage can have significant consequences if not correctly treated

Assessment and Imaging

Children with suspected fractures are evaluated in a calm family centred environment with emphasis on pain relief and reassurance Examination looks for swelling deformity neurovascular function and involvement of adjacent joints X rays are performed in appropriate views and compared with the opposite side if anatomy is uncertain In some complex injuries or suspected growth plate involvement further imaging such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance may be needed

Treatment Principles

Most paediatric fractures can be treated with closed reduction and casting where the bone is gently realigned under sedation or anaesthesia and held in a well moulded plaster or fibreglass cast The duration and type of immobilisation depend on the fracture and age of the child Younger bones heal rapidly and may require shorter casting periods than adult fractures Regular follow up X rays ensure that alignment is maintained and healing progresses as expected

Surgical treatment is reserved for fractures that are unstable after reduction involve joints are open or are associated with neurovascular compromise Options include percutaneous pinning flexible intramedullary nails and plates all chosen to minimise impact on growth plates and future development When growth plate injuries occur the team monitors growth over time and intervenes early if growth arrest or angular deformity develops

Rehabilitation and Return to Activity

Once the fracture has healed casts are removed and children are encouraged to gradually resume movement and play Most recover motion and strength quickly due to their inherent flexibility and activity levels Physiotherapy is used selectively for more complex fractures or after surgery Return to full sports is guided by clinical and radiological healing to avoid re injury

Why Choose Livasa Hospitals for Paediatric Fracture Care

Livasa Hospitals run paediatric fracture and trauma services within a child friendly framework providing age appropriate pain control imaging casting rooms and operating theatres Paediatric orthopaedic surgeons and anaesthetists familiar with the needs of children oversee treatment and follow up giving families across Punjab confidence that broken bones will heal properly without compromising future growth and function

Livasa Hospitals Punjab Network Contact

Livasa Healthcare Group Network of Multi speciality Hospitals in Punjab
Corporate Office Phase 8 Industrial Area Sector 73 Punjab 160071 India