Travcure Medical Tourism Explains Pediatric Fracture Patterns and Their Treatment

Nagpur, India, November 16, 2015 (Newswire.com) - ​​The bone structure of a child below 15 years of age is different from an adult. The fractures too are unlike. The healing is faster in children because the periosteum that covers bone surface is dense, thick and very strong. The blood vessels of periosteum are robust in children, they supply nutrition and oxygen to the cells which remodels the fractured bones. The whole process causes a quick union in fractured structure. The drawback of the thickness is that if there is a least displacement then it may result in fracture, which is difficult to diagnose. The growth plates in children are open therefore it is easy to manage the fracture.

Age and gender:

Depending on the age & gender every type of fracture is different. The changes in bones also cause changes in the pattern. As the child grows, the bone texture and the mass decreases. Generally in girls the fracture age is 12 and in boys it is 14. About more than half of the boys to have a fracture during childhood compared to girls. Wrist is the main joint that gets injured more in sports.

Different types of fractures:

The bones in children do not break completely, but may bend because of the softness and stronger periosteum. The different types of incomplete fractures are:

1. Greenstick fracture: In this, one side of the bone is bent and another side is partially fractured.
2. Buckle fractures : It is also called torus fracture which occurs at metaphyseal location. The measurement of the cortex is marked which is opposed to regular curved surface.

Complete fracture types:

1. Closed fracture: This type of fracture does not pierce the skin
2. Open fracture:This type of fracture penetrates or pierce the skin, which increases the risk of infection. In non-displaced fracture the bones breaks entirely and the pieces are aligned. In displaced fracture, the bone breaks entirely in 2 or more pieces and it is unaligned, which may require surgery before casting.

Other fractures:

1. Hairline fracture: It is a thin crack or incomplete fracture which does not affect entire bone.
2. Single fracture: In this the bone is broken in one place.
3. Segmental fracture: The bones are broken in 2 or more places in the same bone.
4. Com-minuted fracture: Rather than fracture, the bones are crushed in more than 2 or more places.
5. Bucket-handle or Corner fracture: In this type of fracture, the fragment of the distal end of 1 or both femurs with loose pieces appears in the margins because the osseous density is altering the metaphysis. The bucket-handle term is used when the loose bone is wide at the distal end, making a crescent-shaped. This fracture is a characteristic of child abuse-related injuries.

The symptoms of fractures:

1. Swollen fracture site
2. Pain in area
3. Obvious deformity in fractured site
4. Restricted movement
5. Bruising, warmth, or redness at the site

Who is at risk?             

1. Children with a lessmineral content(bone)
2. Those having renal diseases, cystic fibrosis, diabetes mellitus, growth-hormone deficiency, and osteogenesisimperfecta disorders are at risk
3. Child suffering with arthrogryposis,cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or other neuromuscular disorders
4. Children who are super active, i.e. high energy levels

Treatments

The child immediately needs to be taken to the doctor. In a few cases, your child may not be able to move the fractured site. The doctor will give medication or place a splint on the fractured site to lessen the pain and bleeding, depending on the fracture type. The pediatric orthopedic treatment starts with correct alignment of bones and preventing them to move from the place until they are completely healed.

Different types of treatment:

1. Cast immobilization: Doctor will reposition the bone with a plaster or fiberglass cast for a successful healing.                                                                 
2. Functional cast or brace: The brace or cast is used to limit the joint movement which helps ease out pain and complete healing.
3. Traction: In this, the bones are aligned by a mild and firm pulling action. Traction is the initial treatment for other secondary treatments. With the help of a metal pin or skin tapes the pulling is transferred to the bones.
4. Open reduction and internal fixation: The procedure restores the fractured pattern to its original one. It places the bones to the exact location, but there is a risk of infection and other complications. The orthopedic surgeon will align the bone and the screws and metal plates are placed on the outer surface of the bone.
5. External fixation: In this the pins are positioned on the top or below of the fractured site. The specialist will align the fragments of the bones in correct order and with the help of screws the metal bars that hold bones are fixed. This will hold the bone properly in place.

Contact Information:

Travcure Medical Tourism India

Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

+91-8600044116

help@travcure.com