Broken bones: common pediatric fractures--part I

Orthop Nurs. 2006 Jul-Aug;25(4):251-6. doi: 10.1097/00006416-200607000-00006.

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most frequently encountered problems in pediatric practice, with fractures accounting for a surprisingly large percentage of these injuries. A fracture occurs when bone is subjected to more energy than it can absorb. Pediatric healthcare providers must have a good understanding of normal bone growth and development and must recognize common mechanisms of injury and fracture patterns seen in children. Nearly 20% of children who present with an injury have a fracture, and it is estimated that 42% of boys and 27% of girls will sustain a fracture during childhood (Wilkins, 1996). The immature skeleton has several unique properties that directly affect the management of fractures in children.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Age Factors
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone Development / physiology
  • Bone and Bones / anatomy & histology
  • Bone and Bones / embryology
  • Bone and Bones / physiology
  • Child
  • Child Abuse / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation
  • Fracture Healing
  • Fractures, Bone* / diagnosis
  • Fractures, Bone* / epidemiology
  • Fractures, Bone* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandatory Reporting
  • Orthopedic Nursing / organization & administration
  • Pediatric Nursing / organization & administration
  • Risk Factors