title: Emergency department evaluation and treatment of pediatric orthopedic injuries.
abstract: Orthopedic injuries in children are unique when compared to those of adults because of the physiologic differences, especially the growth plates, stronger periosteum, and dynamic state of growth. The approach to the orthopedically injured child requires a gentle yet thorough focus with consideration of the growth plates as a primary area of weakness and growth when the child sustains an injury. Understanding the developmental stages of bones is paramount to being able to manage any injuries. Finally, what appears to be a benign injury may portend more serious issues, because nonaccidental trauma must always be considered in the evaluation of the injured child.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Bay State Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Thornton
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA. Electronic address: karendg@me.com.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Della-Giustina
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale New Haven Childrens Hospital, 100 York Street, Suite 1F, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
authors.forename: Paul L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Aronson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D007596:Joints / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Fracture; Growth plate; Pediatric orthopedics; Physis; Salter-Harris