Overview
About Pediatric Fracture Care
Fractures in children differ significantly from adults due to the presence of growth plates (physes) at the ends of growing bones. These growth plates are weaker than ligaments in children, making physeal fractures common. Careful management is essential as growth plate injuries can affect bone growth if not treated correctly. Fortunately, children's bones also heal much faster and have remarkable remodelling capacity.
Key Benefits
Expert assessment of growth plates to prevent long-term growth disturbance
Child-friendly, empathetic approach reducing anxiety for young patients and parents
Most pediatric fractures treated non-surgically — avoiding unnecessary surgery
Faster healing compared to adults due to children's superior bone biology
Regular follow-up to monitor growth and ensure normal bone development
Frequently Asked Questions
Are children's fractures different from adults?
Yes — children have growth plates (open physes) that are vulnerable to injury. Children's bones are also more flexible (greenstick fractures are common) and heal significantly faster due to the active periosteum (bone covering).
What is a greenstick fracture?
A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture where the bone bends and partially breaks — like a green twig. It is unique to children because young bones are more flexible. It is usually treated with a cast.
What is a growth plate (physeal) fracture?
A growth plate fracture involves the soft cartilaginous area near the end of long bones where growth occurs. These need careful management as damage to the growth plate can cause limb length discrepancy or angular deformity.
Do children always need surgery for fractures?
Most pediatric fractures (over 80%) are treated non-surgically with a cast. Surgery is needed for significantly displaced fractures, growth plate injuries requiring accurate reduction, or fractures that cannot be held in a cast.
How quickly do children's fractures heal?
Children's fractures heal approximately twice as fast as adults. A toddler's fracture may heal in 3 weeks; a school-age child's arm fracture in 4–6 weeks; a teenager's fracture similar to an adult at 6–8 weeks.