Childhood is full of play, sports, and adventure, but it also brings a higher risk of accidents and bone injuries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 50% of all injuries in children are musculoskeletal, and fractures are among the most common. In cities like Patna, where children actively participate in outdoor play, cycling, school sports, and local activities, bone fractures in children are extremely common.

Many parents feel worried and confused when their child suffers a fracture. Is it serious? Does it need surgery? Will it affect their growth? That’s where pediatric orthopaedic care becomes important. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons specialize in bone, joint, and growth-related problems in children and ensure safe, age-appropriate treatment.

Why Are Bone Fractures Common in Children?

Children experience fractures more often than adults due to:

• Rapid bone growth: Growing bones are soft and bend more easily.
• Active lifestyle: Running, cycling, and sports increase injury chances.
• Presence of growth plates: These soft areas near the end of bones are weaker and more prone to injury.
• Vitamin D deficiency: In India, up to 70–90% of children have Vitamin D deficiency (ICMR Study, 2022), making bones weaker.

Growth plates (epiphyseal plates) are the last parts of the bones to harden, making them more vulnerable to injuries. If not treated properly, growth plate injuries can cause long-term deformity or uneven limb growth, making early specialist care essential.

Most Common Childhood Bone Fractures

Childhood fractures often happen due to falls from stairs, beds, school playgrounds, bicycles, or sports.

1. Wrist (Distal Radius) / Buckle Fractures

A buckle fracture is the most common childhood fracture. It occurs when a child falls on an outstretched hand.

• Wrist swelling
• Pain while moving the hand
• Usually treated with a splint or soft cast

2. Forearm (Radius + Ulna) Fractures

These fractures occur from falls during sports or running.

• Simple fractures need casting
• Displaced fractures may need bone alignment (closed reduction)
• Regular X-rays prevent bending after healing

3. Elbow Fractures (Supracondylar Humerus)

Common in children below 10 years.

• High-risk fracture affecting nerves and blood supply
• Requires urgent treatment
• Often treated with pins or wires

4. Clavicle (Collarbone) Fracture

Common due to falls or sports injuries.

• Painful but heals well
• Treated with simple shoulder sling

5. Ankle and Tibia (Shin Bone) Fractures

Often caused by jumping, football, or cycling injuries.

• May cause difficulty walking
• Treated with a cast or boot

6. Growth Plate (Physeal) Injuries

These occur only in children.

• If untreated, growth may be affected
• Needs accurate diagnosis and follow-up

Signs Your Child May Have a Fracture

• Swelling or bruising
• Pain that does not reduce with rest
• Visible deformity or bent limb
• Refusal to move the affected arm or leg
• Tingling or numbness (emergency sign)

If any of these symptoms are present, an X-ray is recommended to confirm a fracture.

When to See a Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon in Patna

Seek immediate medical help if your child has:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Visible bone deformity
• Growth plate injury
• Open wound with bone visible
• Repeated fractures
• Numbness or difficulty using the limb
• Fever with pain (possible infection)

Diagnosis – How Are Childhood Fractures Evaluated?

• Physical examination to check movement and swelling
• X-ray to confirm fracture
• MRI/CT scan for complex or growth plate injuries

Early diagnosis prevents long-term deformity and ensures correct healing.

Treatment Options for Pediatric Bone Fractures

Non-Surgical Treatment

Most fractures in children heal without surgery.

• Splinting or plaster cast
• Functional casting
• Pain management

Surgical Treatment (Only if Necessary)

Surgery may be needed for:

• Displaced fractures
• Growth plate injuries
• Open fractures
• Nerve or blood vessel injury

Methods include pins, wires, plates, or screws depending on fracture type.

First Aid for a Suspected Fracture at Home

Do:

• Keep the limb still (immobilize)
• Apply ice to reduce swelling
• Elevate the injured part

Don’t:

• Do not massage the area
• Do not try to straighten the bone
• Do not delay seeking medical advice

Recovery and Healing Time in Children After a Bone Fracture

Growth plate injuries may need follow-up for up to 12 months to monitor normal bone growth.

Preventing Bone Fractures in Children

• Nutrition: Calcium-rich diet + Vitamin D
• Exercise: Strengthens muscles and bones
• Safety: Use protective gear in sports
• Avoid risky heights: Educate children on safety

Pediatric Orthopaedic Care in Patna

Children are not small adults. Their bones grow differently and need special care. A pediatric orthopaedic surgeon ensures:

• Safe fracture treatment
• Growth monitoring
• Child-friendly care

If your child has a fracture or bone injury, timely treatment can prevent long-term problems.

FAQs – Parents Also Ask

1. How do I know if my child has a broken bone or just a sprain?

If pain and swelling persist beyond 24 hours, it may be a fracture. Only an X-ray can confirm.

2. What are the most common bone fractures in children?

Wrist, forearm, elbow, clavicle, and growth plate fractures.

3. When should I see a pediatric orthopedic doctor?

If there is swelling, deformity, severe pain, or growth plate injury.

4. Do children’s fractures heal faster than adults?

Yes, children’s bones heal faster due to active growth.

5. Can a fracture affect my child’s growth?

Yes, growth plate injuries can affect future bone growth if untreated.

6. Is surgery necessary for children’s fractures?

Only severe or displaced fractures need surgery.

7. What is the first aid for a fracture at home?

Immobilize the limb, apply ice, avoid massage, and seek medical help.

8. What happens if a fracture is left untreated?

It may lead to deformity, pain, or growth problems.

Conclusion

For expert care in pediatric fractures and child bone injuries, always consult a qualified pediatric orthopaedic specialist. Timely and accurate treatment ensures healthy bone healing and normal growth.

Book your child’s appointment with Dr. Jaswinder Singh, a leading pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Patna, for safe, accurate and child-friendly fracture treatment. Early care ensures faster healing, proper bone growth and long-term recovery.