Here you will find medical specialists in the field of bone fractures in children. All the doctors listed are specialists in their field and have been hand-picked for you in accordance with 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, as the bones are more flexible due to growth plates and the elastic structure of the child’s skeleton.
Consequently, greenstick fractures, diaphyseal fractures or non-displaced fractures are more common. Pediatric traumatology and accident and emergency surgery take these specific characteristics into account when treating fractures.
In addition, specific factors play a role in fractures in children: distal fractures of the forearm or leg must be stabilized in such a way that the growth plates are protected. Supracondylar humerus fractures require particularly careful clinical assessment, as nerves and blood vessels may be at risk here.
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 aim of supporting the natural healing of the child’s bone and avoiding long-term functional impairment.
The most common causes are falls, sports injuries and road traffic accidents. Fractures during childhood occur rapidly when there is high stress on long bones, the forearm or supracondylar areas.
Dislocations, rotational deformities or stress on the growth plates can also play a role. Fractures in children often result from underdeveloped muscles, which offer less protection.
In addition, fractures in children frequently occur when external forces act directly or subcutaneously, for example, as a result of 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 not to impair growth.
A pediatric orthopedic surgeon treats a child’s forearm fracture with a colourful plaster 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 means that misalignments are partially corrected over the years. Nevertheless, incorrectly treated fractures can lead to axial deviations, growth disturbances or permanent misalignments.
Fractures such as supracondylar humerus fractures or fractures of the radial head carry a risk of nerve and vascular damage. Complications such as varus stress, radial head dislocation, soft tissue damage or subcutaneous injuries may occur. Early diagnosis is essential in such cases.
Treatment is tailored to the age-specific characteristics of the pediatric skeleton. Methods such as ESIN, reduction and the choice of stabilizing material take into account the bone’s stage of maturation. Around 90 per cent of all fractures in children heal without complications.
