Common pediatric fractures treated with minimal intervention.
The unlikely event of long-term complications in some pediatric fractures, such as midclavicular fractures, has allowed for management of these injuries with interventions that support the injured extremity rather than immobilize it while healing occurs. However, there is currently a growing body of evidence that advocates for this approach for some of the most frequently encountered pediatric fractures also at very low risk of future problems but, in contrast, have conventionally been managed with orthopedic consultation and rigid casting for several weeks. Therefore, this article will review the evidence that recommends that management of some of the most common upper and lower pediatric extremity fractures be treated with minimal interventions, such as removable splints and follow-up with a primary care provider.
Division of Emergency Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. boutis@pol.net
Kathy
K
Boutis
D000367:Age Factors; D016723:Bone Remodeling; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004630:Emergencies; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education; D005360:Fibula / Q000293:injuries; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007223:Infant; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D012306:Risk; D013165:Splints; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures