$greenstick fracture distal radius$

#Greenstick fracture distal radius crack

(MUA) After the child is fast asleep the bone is put back into the right position. The bone can be held in several different ways depending on the nature of the fracture. The bones then have to be held in this position for 6 weeks while healing takes place. Complete fractures mean the bones are often no longer aligned and usually need to be put back into the correct position (reduce the fracture). These are high energy injuries and usually are as a result of accidents such as falling off a swing, trampoline, ice skating or out of a tree. Children with complete fractures of the forearm. The plaster put on after the MUA should be banana shaped as the curve helps to maintain the elastic bone in the correct position. Sometimes the bone is too bent and needs to be straightened this can be done with a short anaesthetic and is called a manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA). In children under 8, the ability to do this is amazing and significant deformity can be accepted. Therefore children have the ability to 'remodel' their bone as they grow. If there is suspicion that the fracture has not fully healed the arm is put back in plaster for a further 2 weeks.īone always grows straight. If the fracture site is still painful after the plaster is removed, an x-ray is taken. Clinical examination is required to asses for fracture healing. The time in plaster is 3 weeks for any child over 6 yrs old, 2 weeks if aged 3-4 and 1 week if under 2 years old. If the fracture is more than 3 cm from the wrist a plaster which extends above the elbow is preferred. If the fracture is right at the wrist end of the bone a simple below elbow cast is sufficient. These are stable fractures and heal quickly in a plaster cast.

#Greenstick fracture distal radius crack

It therefore doesn't crack like a dry twig but rather buckles like a green stick.

$greenstick fracture distal radius$

Children with greenstick fracture.Ĭhildren's bone has the ability to bend before it breaks. There are several common fracture types there treatment has been outlined below. The answer to these questions will guide the surgeon on the best treatment plan.

What is the quality of the bone is there evidence of osteoporosis.

Have the pieces moved from where they should be and does the new position threaten the function of the wrist.

How many pieces of bone has the fracture made, multiple fragments are called a comminuted fracture.

Has it broken the skin, called an open fracture?.

$greenstick fracture distal radius$ $greenstick fracture distal radius$

Does it extend into the joint an intra-articular fracture.

$greenstick fracture distal radius$

There are several important aspects to a distal radial fracture which must be identified as they will determine treatment. You will then be asked to go to fracture clinic where the fracture will be assessed. Diagnosis is made on x-rays taken in the accident and emergency. There are two age groups who suffer a distal radial fracture those that occur in elderly patients with thin, osteoporotic bone who fall from a standing height and those that occur in young patients after a high energy injury.Ī broken wrist will be immediately painful with bruising, swelling and deformity. It is often referred to as a Colles fracture after an Irish surgeon and anatomist, Abraham Colles, in 1814 who first described the injury. It can also happen in a road traffic accident, skiing or other sports. It typically occurs after a fall onto an out stretched hand. The wrist end of the bone is called the distal end and is one of the most common sites for a fracture. There are 2 bones in the forearm the radius and the ulna.

$greenstick fracture distal radius$