Fracture Care
A fracture is a complete or partial break in the bone. Kids and teens bones are different than adults’ bones. Kids and teens bones are generally more flexible and have growth
plates. They often heal faster than adults and have the ability to remodel or reshape their bones.
Fractures can be described in many different ways:
- Simple (closed)- bone breaks but does not break the skin, can be displaced or nondisplaced (two or more pieces
separated) or angulated (bent) - Complex (open or compound)- bone protrudes through the skin
- Intra-articular- involving the joint surface
- Physeal (growth plate)- fracture that involves the growth plate of the bone
- Buckle fracture-one side of the bone is compressed but other side remains strong
- Occult fracture-fracture where there is no obvious fracture on initial x-rays but the injury and physical exam are
suspicious for a fracture.
Common causes of fractures
- Falls
- Sports related injuries
- Overuse injuries
- Twisting injuries
- Trauma
- Contact injury or direct hit to the body
- Signs or Symptoms of Fractures
- Pain at or around the injured area
- Swelling
- Bruising, warmth or redness
- Trouble moving or using the extremity
- Deformity or crooked appearance
Diagnosis of fractures
A physical exam performed by health care provider to determine possible injury or fracture.
They may determine further tests are needed such as:
- Radiographs (x-rays): most common test to evaluate for a fracture.
- Advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scans are sometimes necessary for more complex or surgical fractures and injuries.
Clinical Services
Treatment of Fractures
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health as well as the severity of the injury or fracture.
An open fracture is an emergency, and care should be sought at the emergency department
The goal of fracture treatment is to control pain, provide stability for the fracture and prevent complications. Treatment may
involve the following:
- Cast
- Splint
- Brace
- Setting the bone (reduction) if bones are significantly displaced or angulated
Surgery
Our team
The fracture care team combines the expertise of several different professionals to provide evaluation and treatment for a wide variety of injuries and fractures. Depending on your child’s needs, you might see:
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Orthopedic residents
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Nurses
- Athletic trainers
- Orthopedic technicians
- Social workers
- Child Life specialists
Where to seek care for fracture
If you are worried your child may have an injury Children’s Mercy offers many options for diagnosing and treating your child.
- Children’s Mercy Orthopedic Injury Clinics- staffed by trained pediatric orthopedic providers
- Children’s Mercy Emergency Department (obvious deformity, bleeding, exposed tissue or bone)
If your child has been seen by healthcare provider outside of Children’s Mercy and has been diagnosed with a fracture or there is concern for a fracture, you may schedule an appointment in one of our Orthopedic Clinics by calling (816) 234-3075
Children’s Mercy Orthopedic Clinics are located across the metro area:
Highest level of surgical care
Children’s Mercy is one of only 53 centers in the nation to be verified as a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center — the highest possible rating — by the American College of Surgeons. This verification means Children's Mercy meets the highest standards for safety and outcomes determined by the American College of Surgeons. Our surgical care is designed to manage routine to highly complex illnesses. We also have experts in every pediatric specialty ready to go at all times to provide comprehensive care for kids.