Broken bones: common pediatric fractures--part I.
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.
Hart
Erin S
ES
Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Albright
Maurice B
MB
Rebello
Gleeson N
GN
Grottkau
Brian E
BE
D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001846:Bone Development / Q000502:physiology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D016530:Orthopedic Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D012307:Risk Factors