Bone Fracture and Kids

Kids are at a high risk of having a fracture especially that they play roughly, jump from high levels and do not calculate the risk of injuries. Differentiating bruises from fractures is a bit confusing especially if you have never experienced any bone fracture before. You should usually follow the symptoms of broken bones that are the following:

-          A sudden crack noise

-          Severe pain and tenderness. Your child won’t let you touch the broken part

-          Increase of pain when moving

-          A stiff member

-          A limb out of position

How are kids’ bones different?

-          Children bones have a highly healing capacity. Bones remodeling is excellent thus no problems of alignment.

-          Kids’ bones are softer than adults’ bones.

-          Kids’ bones tend to bend more rather than to break.

What should I do if my child has a broken bone?

In this situation you should not panic and try to support your child. First you should protect and immobilize the fracture, put your child in a comfortable position and call your doctor immediately.

While waiting for medical assistance you can follow these steps:

-          Put ice on the broken area, it will help minimize the pain and swelling. Make sure not to apply ice directly on your child’s skin. Wrap them in a towel.

-          Wrap his limb with a fabric bandage but not tightly and support the fracture with a cloth or cushion.

-          Elevate the broken limb.

In case your child is suffering from skull or neck fracture, do not move him at all. Call the emergency number and your doctor.