Greenstick fracture

Revision as of 10:38, 9 September 2013 by Mattd (talk | contribs) (→‎Treatment)

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

Torus Fracture

Source

Tintinalli