Greenstick fracture
Revision as of 13:08, 18 July 2015 by Rossdonaldson1 (talk | contribs) (Rossdonaldson1 moved page Greenstick Fracture to 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
- As a general rule, manipulation may be considered for deformity obvious to the naked eye or dorsal angulation of more than 10 degrees of the joint line in the lateral projection (if plain x-rays are used)
- 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