The care of children with broken limbs (fractures) is unique.  Due to the nature of growth and the growth plates contained within the bone, children are not just small adults when it comes to the care of their fractures. 

The vast majority of childhood fractures will heal uneventfully without the need for prolonged immobilization or casting.  As well, most fractures will not require any surgical intervention.  Children usually heal quickly and within six weeks have returned to their normal function.

There are a number of fractures in children, that may lead to prolonged morbidity and permanent disability.  These fractures that are usually through growth plates and joints such as the hip, knee, ankle, wrist and elbow require sophisticated treatment to obtain an optimal outcome.

Pediatric elbow fractures are notorious for causing prolonged and at times permanent functional and cosmetic disability.  The best outcomes are achieved when these fractures are treated early with the appropriate tertiary care required.  These fractures include Supracondylar Humerus fractures, Monteggia fracute dislocation, elbow dislocations, lateral condyle fractures and medial epicondylar fractures.

Another example of this type of fracture is the pediatric femur fracture.  A femoral shaft fracture in a child can often be treated minimally invasively to avoid months of traction, casting and bedrest and lead to a more assured outcome.  A distal femoral growth plate fracture requires special attention as well.  The distal femur is just above the knee and this growth plate contributes nearly a half inch of growth per year to a child's limbs.  Children with this injury will often require internal fixation and often need a procedure to maintain their limb length.

The care of children with fractures requires compassion and understanding of the pain associated with a broken bone.  No child should be in inconsolable pain with fracture care or at home afterwards.  The use of appropriate pain medication and education can help avoid terrible complications.  A child who is inconsolable hours after treatment of a fracture needs to be evaluated for possible excessive internal swelling which can lead to permanent complications.

The use of water proof casting helps ease the burden to parents and to children. Parent and child education regarding avoidance of medications such as Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (Naproxen), and avoidance of first hand or second hand smoke will aid a quicker resolution of the fracture.