Background: Fractures in children are significantly more common than bone fractures in adults. Overall, they have a good prognosis regarding spontaneous correction and a restitutio ad integrum. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of established modern (low-dose radiation) imaging techniques in pediatric fractures.
Materials and methods: Knowledge of typical fractures for different ages, of the individual bone nuclei of the growth plate, and epiphyseal injuries are important for the correct radiological diagnosis. This review also focuses on fractures of the elbow because misinterpretation may result in delays of consolidation with subsequent growth disturbances, joint dysfunctions, and malpositions.
Results and conclusions: In addition to conventional x‑rays, fracture sonography is becoming increasingly important for the detection of fractures in children. In the upper extremity, a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 97% can be achieved for some fracture entities, e.g., at the distal forearm. Computed tomography is used restrictively but plays an important role in a few special indications for polytraumatized children and preoperative assessment, e.g., in the case of transitional fractures.
Keywords: Child; Epiphyseal plate injuries; Fracture ultrasonography; Misdiagnosis; Radiological diagnosis.