Pediatric orthopedic emergencies

Nathan W. Mick, Amy E. Valasek

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Key facts • Pediatric bones are more flexible than adults, leading to unique fracture patterns such as: • Buckle fractures • Greenstick fractures • Plastic deformation • Because of the high metabolic turnover for pediatric bones, closed reduction and casting is the treatment of choice for most pediatric fractures • Transient synovitis is an inflammation of the hip joint that typically follows a viral upper respiratory infection (URI) and is characterized by hip pain and a limp • Transient synovitis is typically self-limited and treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), though excluding a bacterial infection is critical to avoid significant morbidity • Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) occurs in obese pre-pubescent children. Pain may be indolent in cases of chronic SCFE, though acute worsening of pain is seen after relatively minor trauma in some cases • SCFE presents bilaterally in a significant proportion of cases, even if only one side is symptomatic Unique features of pediatric fractures General principles • Bones in children remodel at a more rapid rate than adults, making closed reduction a viable treatment modality for many fractures that would require operative repair in adults • Bones in children are more flexible, leading to unique fracture patterns such as buckle and greenstick fractures that are not seen in adults • Injury to growth plates can result in significant morbidity Buckle fractures • Buckle or torus fractures typically occur at the metaphyseal diaphyseal junction and result from a “crumpling” of the more porous metaphysis (see Figure 7.1)

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationOrthopedic Emergencies
Subtitle of host publicationExpert Management for the Emergency Physician
PublisherCambridge University Press
Pages165-177
Number of pages13
Volume9781107696617
ISBN (Electronic)9781139199001
ISBN (Print)9781107696617
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2013
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pediatric orthopedic emergencies'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this