Greenstick fracture
Background
- Cortical disruption and periosteal tearing on convex side of bone only
- More stable / less painful than complete fx
Diagnosis
- These fractures may be apparent clinically. For patients without obvious significant deformity, ultrasound scanning seems to be as sensitive as plain x-rays and may be better at demonstrating the degree of cortical deformity.
Work-Up
Treatment
- Need for reduction is determined by angulation, location, and age of child
- Traditionally these fractures have been treated by immobilisation in plaster for a period of around 3 to 6 weeks. However fractures not requiring manipulation have a universally good outcome regardless of treatment and more recent research shows higher levels of patient satisfaction with a Futura type splint
Disposition
- Patients not requiring manipulation can be discharged with a backslab and advice to remove in 3 weeks or a Futura type splint and advice to remove when comfortable. There is no evidence that routine follow up is necessary.
See Also
Source
Tintinalli