Here you will find medical specialists in the field of bone fractures in children. All of the doctors listed are specialists in their field and have been handpicked for you according to the strict Leading Medicine Guide guidelines. The experts look forward to hearing from you.
A fracture is a break in the bone structure. Fractures in children differ from those in adults because the bones are more flexible due to growth plates and the elastic structure of the pediatric skeleton.
As a result, greenstick fractures, diaphyseal fractures, or non-displaced fractures are more common. Pediatric traumatology and trauma surgery take these specific characteristics into account when treating fractures.
In addition, specific factors play a role in bone fractures in children: distal fractures of the forearm or leg must be stabilized in a way that protects the growth plates. Supracondylar humerus fractures require particularly careful clinical evaluation, as nerves and blood vessels may be at risk in these cases.
In pediatric orthopedics, minimally invasive procedures such as wire fixation are frequently used to prevent malalignment or potential dislocation. Treatment is always guided by the goal of supporting the natural healing of the child’s bone and preventing long-term functional impairments.
The most common causes are falls, sports injuries, and traffic accidents. Fractures during childhood can occur rapidly when high stress is placed on long bones, the forearm, or supracondylar regions.
Dislocations, rotational deformities, or stress on the growth plates can also play a role. Fractures in children often result from underdeveloped muscles, which provide less protection.
In addition, fractures in children frequently occur when external forces act directly or subcutaneously, such as from falls onto an outstretched arm.
Many injuries can be treated on an outpatient basis, provided there are no complications or displacement. Fracture management always depends on the type and stability of the fracture and aims to avoid impairing growth.
A pediatric orthopedist treats a child’s forearm fracture with a colorful cast in a modern clinic, while a parent looks on reassuringly.
Treatment depends on the type of fracture.
Commonly used methods include ESIN, external fixators, wire osteosynthesis, elastically stable intramedullary nailing, or intramedullary nailing.
Fractures of the epiphyseal plate carry a risk of growth disturbances, which is why precise treatment and X-ray monitoring are important.
Children have open growth plates, which allows for partial correction of misalignments over the years. Nevertheless, improperly treated fractures can lead to axial deviations, growth disturbances, or permanent misalignments.
Fractures such as supracondylar humeral fractures or fractures of the radial head carry a risk of nerve and vascular damage. Complications such as varus stress, radial head luxation, soft tissue damage, or subcutaneous injuries may occur. Early diagnosis is essential in these cases.
Treatment is tailored to the age-specific characteristics of the pediatric skeleton. Methods such as ESIN, reduction, and the selection of stabilizing materials take into account the bone’s maturity. Approximately 90 percent of all fractures in children heal without complications.
