We’ve all experienced that heart-stopping moment when your child’s laughter turns to tears – whether it’s a tumble off the monkey bars or a collision during a soccer game. The immediate rush of worry floods in: Is it a bump or bruise, or could it be something more serious like a broken bone?
From the playground to the sports field, figuring out whether your child can walk off their injury or needs medical care can be tricky. With the help of Deric Nye, DO, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Banner Children’s, we uncover everything you need to know about fractures, what signs to look for and how to respond if you suspect your child might have broken a bone.
What causes bones to break?
Broken bones, also known as fractures, happen when there is a crack or break in the bone’s structure, and it may no longer be able to support the body like before the injury.
“The most common types of broken bones we see in children are wrist and forearm fractures, elbow fractures and collar bone fractures,” Dr. Nye said. “It is estimated that about half of all children will have at least one broken bone by age 18.”
Some of the most typical conditions where a child may sustain a broken bone are sports injuries, falls or car accidents.
Types of fractures in children
Fractures in children can be classified into several types based on how the bone breaks. Here are a few common ones:
- Greenstick fracture: This type of fracture happens when one side of the bone is broken while the other side is bent. It’s more common in children due to their softer bones.
- Growth plate fracture: Also known as epiphyseal fractures, these affect the growth plate or the area of a growing bone. These fractures can affect bone growth if not treated properly.
- Buckle or torus fracture: Also known as compression fractures, these occur when the bone is crushed or squished but doesn’t break all the way through. These fractures are often seen in the forearm or wrist.
- Stress fracture: These types of fractures are hairline cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event. These are more common in older children and adolescents, especially those involved in sports.
- Avulsion fracture: In an avulsion fracture, a small piece of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament that has been stretched during an injury.
- Complete fracture: This type of fracture is when the bone breaks all the way through into two or more separate pieces.
- Simple or closed fracture: These fractures involve a clean break in the bone without piercing the skin. They are often due to a fall or direct impact.
Symptoms of fractures in children
With any childhood injury, there are bound to be some tears. However, the most common symptom of a broken bone in children is pain in the area.
“Bones have a lot of nerve endings, so they hurt when broken,” Dr. Nye said. “Sprains and bruises also hurt but usually heal much more quickly.”
Other visible signs may include:
- Deformity: The affected area doesn’t look the way it did before the injury.
- Difficulty using or moving: Your child may have trouble bearing weight or using the injured body part.
- Swelling and bruising: The area around the fracture may swell and become bruised.
- Guarding or protecting the injured area: Your child may instinctively guard or protect the injured area by holding it still or supporting it with their hand.
“If there is significant trauma or a severe fracture, it’s possible for there to be blood at the area of a broken bone and visible bone popping through the skin,” Dr. Nye said. “These fractures are serious injuries that require immediate surgery.”
What to do next
Call 911 if you suspect your child has a head, neck or back injury. Keep your child still, lying down until medical assistance arrives.
In other instances, unless the bone is sticking out of the skin or the injured area is visibly deformed, it can be difficult to know if your child has broken a bone. “X-ray imaging or radiographs may be needed to fully understand what type of broken bone your child has and their treatment plan,” Dr. Nye said.
If you suspect your child has a broken bone, don’t attempt to realign or snap the injured limb back into place, as this can cause further damage. Instead, they should be taken to see their health care provider, an orthopedic specialist or a sports medicine specialist for a physical examination and possible imaging tests.
How do children heal from broken bones?
“Treatment for broken bones in children varies depending on factors such as the location, displacement and the angle of the fracture, as well as the child’s expected bone growth,” Dr. Nye said. “While children generally heal well without surgery, certain fractures may benefit from surgery.”
The provider may first keep the injured area still by using a cast, brace or splint. If the bone needs to be moved back into place, they may gently do this or perform surgery. Then, a cast or brace is put on to protect the bone while it heals. Physical therapy can also help your child rebuild strength, flexibility and range of motion.
Children’s bones have a remarkable ability to heal quickly, thanks to their growing bodies. However, despite faster healing, following the provider’s recommendations for proper care is important to ensure healing and prevent complications.
“Certain fractures, especially growth plate fractures, can cause problems if they are not recognized and treated appropriately,” Dr. Nye said. “Bones may heal crookedly, joints may become stiff or have limited movement and fractures near the growth plate can affect bone growth.”
Bottom line
If your child gets a broken bone, remember that a fracture is a common and treatable injury that many children experience. With proper treatment and a little patience, they’ll be back playing and running around in no time.
Don’t hesitate to contact your child’s health care provider or a Banner Health specialist if you have any concerns about your child’s health and well-being. Your child’s health is always a top priority, and together you can navigate any bumps in the road – broken bones included!
