However hard we try, it is impossible to keep our children out of harm’s way at all times. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, fractures are the fourth most common injury in children under the age of six. Falls cause most of the reported fractures in children, but motor vehicle crashes are also a top contributor.
A broken bone sounds scary, but pediatric fractures often heal without the need for surgical repair. Children’s bones are different than adults – they are softer, more flexible, and tend to absorb shock better. A child’s bone also heals much faster than an adult’s bone. Because their bones are still growing and heal so quickly, it is important to treat a fracture quickly and properly to avoid future problems.
Symptoms
- Child may not report pain right away, but tend not to use fractured body part
- Tenderness, numbness, or tingling
- Trouble moving the injured body part
- Swelling
- Bruising or redness
If there are any physical deformities such as a bump or change in shape of the bone, or if the bone is visibly sticking out, it’s best to seek medical attention right away. Otherwise, it’s probably okay to wait to be evaluated until the next day. The Center’s NOWcare walk-in injury clinic provides fracture care and casting for all ages with no appointment necessary.