Greenstick Fractures are more common among children than adults, as their bones are softer and flexible than the adults. At times, these fractures are difficult to be diagnosed and are taken as sprains, as they do not cause much pain and swelling.
What is a Greenstick Fracture?
When a young and soft bone instead of breaking up into different pieces; bends and cracks or breaks away partially, it is called Greenstick Fracture. These fractures usually occur during the infancy and childhood because the bones are soft and flexible during this period. In a Greenstick Fracture, only one side of the bone gets broken while the other one only bends. The term Greenstick Fracture is derived from the analogy of breaking up of a young, fresh and green tree branch.
What are the potential signs and symbols of Greenstick Fracture?
Following can be considered as the potential signs of Greenstick Fracture:
- Abnormally twisted limb
- Pain
- Swelling
- Decreased range of motion
- Inability to put weight on the affected limb
Moreover, arm fractures are more common than leg fractures because children usually throw open their arms when they start falling.
What are the causes of Greenstick Fracture?
Following factors result in the Greenstick Fracture:
- Falls while playing or participating in sports
- Blow on the forearm or shin
- Activities with high risk of falling
What are the treatment options available for treating Greenstick Fracture?
Bone fractures, even Greenstick Fractures needed to be immobilized to get healed and grow back together. Most of the fractures require 4-8 weeks for complete healing. Following treatment techniques are employed by the doctors of orthopaedics to treat Greenstick Fractures:
- Casts are used to keep the bones in good alignment during healing
- If the bones have misaligned, doctors may have to reposition them before using casts
- Removable splints may also be used
- To reduce swelling, doctors may advise to raise the limb higher than the heart level
But once the cast is removed, make your child to avoid high impact activities for one or two weeks in order to avoid re-injury.
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