11. Fractures and minor head injuries: Minor injuries in children II

Abstract

• Fractures in children are common, but the plasticity of children's bones means that they may be incomplete. • If a child has deformity, swelling or bony point tenderness in a limb after a fall, it is likely to be fractured. • A fractured limb that appears deformed will most probably need to be reduced. • Effective splinting, using whatever means is readily available, and early, adequate analgesia, can ameliorate the severe pain associated with a fracture. • In young children with open growth plates, Salter-Harris type I injuries of the distal fibula are more common than ligament injuries of the ankle. • After an ankle ligament injury, functional treatment - brace or tapes, with active phys..