Greenstick fractures, common in children, occur when a bone bends and breaks partially, like a green twig. They require medical attention and can heal in as little as three weeks with prompt treatment. Treatment involves reducing the fracture and immobilizing the limb in a cast. Undiagnosed fractures can result in infection and permanent damage. Most greenstick fractures heal completely, but surgery may be required in rare cases.
A greenstick fracture is a type of minor bone fracture that is most commonly seen in children. In this type of fracture, extreme force causes a bone to bend, breaking it partially, much like a green twig when it is bent. The prognosis for this type of fracture is generally good, with some greenstick fractures healing in as little as three weeks when promptly diagnosed and treated. Many children break a limb at some point as a result of their active lives, and a green cane break is typically nothing to worry about, although it does require medical attention.
A common cause of a greenstick fracture is a fall, as falls can cause a bone to bend more than it is capable of. Blunt trauma such as a blow can also cause such a fracture. The name “greenstick” is indeed apt, because the best illustration of this fracture is to pick up a young twig and bend it; one side of the twig breaks off, usually not very cleanly, while the other side remains intact, although it may be stressed by the bending process.
Treatment of a greenstick fracture requires reduction of the fracture, usually by pulling the bone slightly apart and then pushing it into place to straighten it. To make sure the fracture heals, your doctor will place the affected limb in a cast, immobilizing it so the bone can grow back. Healing times for fractures of this type are often very rapid, and these fractures are usually not as painful as other types of fractures, especially once the fracture has been reduced. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce swelling at the fracture site.
The main risk of a greenstick fracture is that it may go undiagnosed. It is often possible to put weight on the limb, for example, although it can be painful, and the fracture can be dismissed as just a hard blow, resulting in swelling but no lasting damage. If a child falls or gets a hard blow and complains of pain that seems a little extreme, they should be taken to the hospital to rule out a greenstick fracture, especially if the area of the injury swells quickly. Failure to treat the fracture could result in a very painful infection and permanent damage to the site.
Most greenstick fractures heal completely after they are reduced and placed in a cast. In some cases, however, the fracture will not heal properly, requiring surgery. This is extremely rare, especially when the fracture is addressed as quickly as possible and weight is kept off the bone as it heals.
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