Broken Bones 101

Broken bones are a common childhood ailment and can occur at any age and in many different ways. While bones are very strong, under the right pressure, they will break. Broken bones can occur while jumping on a trampoline, competing in soccer or playing on a playground at school. A break in a bone is called a fracture, and different types of fractures occur depending on the activity and force applied.

Complete fracture: When the bone has broken into two pieces.

Hairline fracture: A thin break into the bone.

Single break: The bone is broken in one place.

Comminuted fracture: The bone is broken into more than two pieces or crushed.

Bowling fracture: When the bone bends but does not break (only occurs in children).

Open fracture: Bone breaks and sticks out of the skin.

Greenstick: One part of the bone breaks and the other side bends. (KidsHealth.org)

Telling when a bone is broken is not always easy, especially depending on the age of the child or type of fracture. Oftentimes the site of the break will be swollen, and your child will guard that area. He may be unable or unwilling to move the injured area and have significant pain. If you suspect a broken bone, call your pediatrician or family doctor. The only definitive way to diagnose a break is by x-ray. Not every doctor’s office has an x-ray machine in house, but they can refer you to the best place for care. If your child is bleeding from the site or you are able to see bone, call an ambulance to take you to the ER. In some cases, an orthopedic consultation and/or surgery may be necessary. For this reason, do not allow your child to eat or drink anything until a physician has looked at the injury and given the okay. Once the break has been set, it will be stabilized, most often with a cast. Generally, the cast will stay in place for 1-2 months.

Broken bones are one of the most common injuries in toddlers and young children. While breaks are serious and scary, young bones are more flexible and have thicker covering, which makes it easier for them to absorb shock and helps them heal more quickly than adult bones (HealthyChildren.org). The younger the child, the more quickly the bone heals.         

Jessica Heine has three young children, and the only broken bone in the family has come from her husband.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.