Children are not small adults — nowhere is this more true than in fracture care. A child's bone is softer, heals faster, and has growth plates that an adult's does not.
Growth plates matter
The growth plate is a band of cartilage near each end of a long bone where new bone forms. Injuries here can, in some cases, affect how the bone grows over the coming years. That is why fractures near a child's wrist, elbow, knee or ankle should be assessed by someone trained in paediatric orthopaedics.
Good news about healing
Children's bones "remodel" — small angulations often straighten themselves as the child grows. This means many fractures that would need surgery in an adult can be treated with a cast in a child.
Common childhood fractures we treat
- Wrist (distal radius) fractures from falls on an outstretched hand
- Elbow (supracondylar) fractures — these need prompt specialist assessment
- Clavicle (collarbone) fractures
- Forearm "buckle" and "greenstick" fractures
- Toddler's fracture of the shin
What to do after an injury
Keep the limb still, apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth, and do not give food or drink until the child has been assessed (in case a procedure is needed). Come to the clinic the same day — we keep slots open for injuries.
Follow-up
Children's fractures are checked with X-rays during healing and, for growth-plate injuries, sometimes months later to confirm normal growth.
This article is for general information and does not replace an individual consultation. If you are worried about your child or yourself, please book an appointment.