Identifying And Treating Neglected Fractures In Kids
According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, “Fractures are common injuries in childhood. While most fractures are caused by accidental trauma, inflicted trauma (maltreatment) is a serious and potentially unrecognized cause of fractures, particularly in infants and young children.”
Fractures in children happen when extreme force is applied to the bone. As the bone cannot absorb extreme force, broken bones or fractures takes place. Extreme force can cause multiple Fractures or specific fractures like wrist, elbow, or femur fractures.
Also, fractures in children occur due to a number of reasons including trauma, falls, direct hit, injuries, and lack of calcium. You cannot control or change causes and number of fractures in your child. But in order to keep your child healthy and reduce the likelihood of functional handicap and irreversible deformity, you must address the overlooked variables as soon as possible and appropriately.
What Should You Know to Treat a Neglected Fracture in Your Child Successfully?
Symptoms
Your child could develop a neglected fracture for a number of reasons. Additionally, each child's broken bone symptoms are different. Based on common indicators like pain, swelling, bruising, redness, and warmth, you can spot untreated fractures. Additionally, the broken bone can sometimes make the affected area look misshapen. If your kid is having trouble using or moving the injured bone naturally, it is necessary to consult a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon.
Diagnosis
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons with experience can identify neglected fractures in a number of ways. They always begin the diagnostic process by carefully and physically examining the affected area. Experienced orthopaedic surgeons can diagnose the condition and causes of the fracture with the use of the physical examination, the child's medical history, and other factors. Orthopedic doctors frequently suggest imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and similar ones in order to determine the source of broken bones.
Treatment Options
Depending on the degree and symptoms of the broken bone, the orthopaedic surgeons can identify neglected fractures in a number of methods. Additionally, based on your child's age, medical history, and the severity of the fracture, they design a customised treatment strategy for the neglected fracture. Additionally, they take into account how well your child will accept a certain medicine or course of treatment.
Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons with experience always begin treating neglected fractures non-surgically with treatments including medicine, a cast or splint, and traction. But when the non-medical methods fail, untreated fractures are treated medically. They carry out operations to implant fixation devices or realign damaged bones.
Recovery
The non-medical methods progressively heal neglected fractures over time. After taking the medication or consistently donning the cast or splint for a predetermined period of time, your child will become fit and active. However, in accordance with the treatment plan, you must have the orthopaedic surgeon evaluate the damaged area on a frequent basis. On the other hand, if the neglected fracture is treated surgically, your child must totally rest the afflicted bone and adhere to the postoperative care instructions advised by the surgeon.
Consult a skilled paediatric orthopaedic surgeon to get a child's neglected fracture appropriately evaluated and successfully treated. By precisely and successfully treating neglected fractures, orthopaedic surgeons will assist you in reducing your risk of functional handicap and permanent deformity.
