Paediatric & Children's Fracture Surgery
Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery: Paediatric & Children's Fracture Surgery
Paediatric fracture surgery focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of fractures in children and adolescents. Unlike adult fractures, paediatric fractures often involve growth plates, which are areas of developing cartilage near the ends of long bones. Proper treatment is essential to ensure normal growth and development and to minimise the risk of long-term complications. Paediatric fracture surgery may be recommended for more severe or complex fractures that cannot heal correctly with non-surgical treatments.
What Is Paediatric Fracture Surgery?
Paediatric fracture surgery involves procedures to repair broken bones in children. These surgeries are tailored to the unique characteristics of children’s bones, which are more flexible and capable of rapid healing compared to adult bones. Common types of fractures treated include:
- Growth Plate Fractures: Injuries affecting the growth plate, which can impact bone development.
- Greenstick Fractures: Partial fractures where the bone bends and partially breaks, common in younger children.
- Complete Fractures: Breaks that go through the entire bone.
- Displaced Fractures: Where the broken bone ends are misaligned.
- Complex or Open Fractures: Severe injuries where the bone breaks through the skin or involves multiple fragments.
The goal of surgery is to restore proper alignment and function while ensuring normal growth and healing.
Causes Of Paediatric Fractures
Children’s fractures often occur due to accidents or trauma. Common causes include:
- Falls: From heights such as playground equipment, bikes, or stairs.
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports, gymnastics, or activities involving jumping and running.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Trauma from car or bike accidents.
- Direct Blows: From heavy objects or collisions during play.
- Childhood Activities: Tripping, running, or rough play can result in fractures.
Symptoms Of Paediatric Fractures
Symptoms of fractures in children may vary depending on the location and severity of the injury but often include:
- Pain or tenderness at the site of the injury.
- Swelling, bruising, or redness around the affected area.
- Difficulty or refusal to use the affected limb.
- Visible deformity or misalignment of the limb.
- A cracking or snapping sound at the time of injury.
If these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention to confirm the diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment.
Risk Factors For Paediatric Fractures
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of fractures in children, including:
- Active Lifestyle: High levels of physical activity during play or sports.
- Participation in Contact Sports: Activities such as football, rugby, or basketball.
- Developmental Factors: Rapid growth phases may increase vulnerability.
- Inadequate Supervision: In environments with potential hazards.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Bone disorders such as osteogenesis imperfecta or low bone density.
Treatment Options For Paediatric Fractures
Treatment for paediatric fractures aims to ensure proper alignment and healing while minimising disruption to growth. Options include:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Immobilisation: Casts, splints, or braces to protect the fracture and promote healing.
- Pain Management: Medications or cold packs to alleviate pain and swelling.
- Reduction Procedures: For displaced fractures, bones may be manually realigned under anaesthesia without the need for surgery.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery may be recommended for severe or complex fractures or when non-surgical treatments are not sufficient. Procedures include:
- Internal Fixation: Using pins, screws, or plates to stabilise the bone.
- External Fixation: Stabilising the bone with an external frame in cases of severe fractures.
- Growth Plate Repair: Special techniques to protect and repair growth plates.
- Soft Tissue Reconstruction: Addressing damage to surrounding muscles, ligaments, or nerves.
Dr Scott Tulloch will assess your child’s injury and provide a tailored treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome.
When Should You Seek Help For A Paediatric Fracture?
You should seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences:
- Severe pain, swelling, or deformity following an injury.
- Inability to move or bear weight on the affected limb.
- Persistent symptoms despite rest and home care.
- Visible misalignment or open wounds near the injury.
Early intervention is critical to ensuring proper healing and minimising the risk of complications such as growth abnormalities or chronic pain.
If you would like to learn more about paediatric fracture surgery or discuss your child’s treatment options, book an appointment with Dr Scott Tulloch at the Victorian Orthopaedic Group.
