Bones break when they are faced with a higher pressure than they can handle. Situations such as falling or hitting an object cause bone fractures by causing this compression.
What are the Common Fractures in Children?
Childhood fractures are an important problem. Fracture surgery in children ranks second among surgical procedures that require hospitalization. Up to the age of 16, approximately 50% of boys and 30% of girls suffer at least one fracture.
While fractures are rarely seen in children younger than 18 months of age, 11 years in girls and 14 years in boys are the ages at which the frequency of fractures increases the most.
Dislocations are the separation of two articulated bones. It is more common in young adolescents.
The most common fractures in childhood; wrist, finger fractures, carpal fractures and collarbone fractures. Ankle and leg fractures are also among the fractures seen in this age. increase, redness; Among the symptoms that can be seen in bone fracture. When you notice the presence of such symptoms in your child, you should apply to the nearest health institution.
What are the Risk Factors for Bone Fracture?
Fractures are the most common in children; It is seen due to sports activities, falls from height, bicycle and car accidents. Malnutrition, calcium deficiency and obesity also increase the risk of bone fractures.
What are the Differences Between Child and Adult Bone?
Children's bones are in constant growth and regeneration. This feature gives the bones a chance to fully heal themselves after the fracture. So when they encounter an impact, they bend before breaking. For example, one side of the bone is broken. If the other side of the fracture is bent, a type of fracture called a green tree fracture is seen. A childhood quirk
One side of the bone is bent and protrudes with a slight deterioration in the normal integrity of the bone. This type of fracture is also called torus fracture. In fractures, these plates are often affected. Although they can be damaged at any time of development, they are most frequently damaged during adolescence.
In children; The membrane surrounding the bone, called the periostium, is thicker than the periostium in adult bone. Periostium provides blood supply and nutrition to the bone. When a bone is broken in children, the necessary substances for healing come more quickly through the periostium, so the bone heals faster.
What are the Different Types of Bone Fractures?
Bone can be broken in many different ways. The severity and type of the force causing the fracture determines how the fracture occurs. In these types of fractures, stabilizing treatments such as bandages and plasters are usually sufficient for the healing of the fracture. has. It usually occurs as a result of repetitive stress on the same bone. It can be seen in children who are engaged in gymnastics.
In displaced fractures, the two ends broken as a result of the fracture are separated from each other. In this type of fracture, the two ends of the fracture must be brought together in order for the bone to heal. The process of putting them together is called reduction. After reduction, the broken bone should be fixed with a plaster cast and bandage. .
In a closed fracture, the bone is broken but the skin integrity is intact. The broken body is inside. In an open fracture, the bone is both broken and the skin integrity is broken and the broken bone is out of the body. This situation definitely requires surgery.
How is the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bone Fracture?
The patient's history and examination are of great importance in the diagnosis of bone fracture. When, where and how the fracture occurred is necessary to detect both the fracture and other problems that may accompany the fracture. In the physical examination, deformities in the bone are examined. The most important tools used in diagnosis are X-ray film, computed tomography and ultrasound. Depending on the broken bone and the severity of the fracture, one or more of these tools can be used.
The treatment varies depending on the diagnosis. In general, bandages and plasters are sufficient for mild fractures that do not displace, while surgery may be required for displaced fractures. Growth plate fractures must be treated to prevent future limb deformities and prevent growth. In open fractures, care should be taken in terms of infection and wound care as well as orthopedic surgery. Since the integrity of the skin is broken, the fractured area becomes open to infection. Antibiotic treatment can be started for infection. Wound care should also be done with care. Restricting movement can be difficult, especially in young children. However, the bone Stabilization should be ensured for it to heal, and force applications that will damage the healing bone should be avoided.
What Causes Dislocations in Children?
Dislocations in children occur when excessive force is applied to the joint connecting the bones. It can be seen while doing sports, falling and hitting.
Excessive force applied from the outside causes rotation in the ligaments that hold the joint and bones together. Ligaments also pull the bones to which they are attached during this movement, causing their displacement. The most common dislocation is shoulder dislocation.
What are the Symptoms of Dislocation in Children?
Different symptoms may occur in each child, but the most common ones are:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Weakness
- Deformity
- Can be counted as inability to move the joint properly.
The most important part for the diagnosis of dislocation is the history and physical examination. In addition to these, X-ray film and MR are other methods that can be used if needed.
Dislocation treatment varies depending on some factors such as the severity of the dislocation and the age of the patient.
The first treatment to be applied in dislocation is resting the dislocated area, applying ice and cold on it and slightly elevating the dislocated area. In the treatment of dislocation, the protruding part must be replaced. This may happen spontaneously, or it may require the help of a specialist. With the help of bandages and plasters, the fixation of the bone and joint and restriction of its use can be achieved. In cases where the pain caused by the dislocation is excessive, the patient can be given painkillers. Surgery may be required as a treatment option in some severe dislocations.
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