How to determine if your child has a fracture

Signs to look for

By Dr. Christopher Hamann
| 10:00 a.m. September 15, 2016

Photo courtesy of Guidewell Emergency Doctors - Sometimes what looks like a deep bruise can be a fractured bone, or vise versa. If you're not certain whether your child has broken something, it's important to visit a doctor to avoid it getting worse.

Winter Park - Maitland Observer
Neighborhood

Children tend not to be careful when they are playing. In fact, playtime can sometimes result in a broken vase, an overturned chair or even an injury requiring medical attention.

A fracture is another term for a broken bone. Fractures are the fourth most common injury in children and differ from adult fractures. Children’s bones tend to be more flexible and are able to absorb shock better than adults’ bones.

How to determine if it’s a fracture

Keep in mind that just because your child can move his or her arm does not mean they are in the clear. There still could be a fracture present. Here’s how to tell:

• Pain: If it is painful for your child to move or touch the area.

• Deformed: If the injured area looks misshapen or deformed. In some cases, the bone may also poke through the skin.

• Sound: If you or your child heard a snap or grinding noise when the injury happened.

• Swelling or bruising: If the area that was injured is starting to swell or bruise.

What to do if there is a fracture

If you believe your child has fractured a bone, it is important that you limit movement immediately and seek medical attention. It is also important to not give them anything to eat or drink, or medicine to relieve pain, until seen by a physician who may prescribe something different.

Call 911 immediately if you believe your child’s neck, back or head have been injured severely or the bone has come through the skin.

After a physician has inspected the injury, diagnostic imaging such as an X-ray may be required to determine the extent of the injury.

If your child does have a fracture, most likely only a cast will be needed to limit movement so the bone can heal. However, you may find that it will require a surgical procedure.

Your child being injured while playing is nothing to take lightly. If you believe that your child may have a fracture, please seek medical attention immediately.

Dr. Christopher Hamann is board certified with the American Board of Emergency Medicine and serves as the medical director for GuideWell Emergency Doctors. Dr. Hamann leads a team of experienced emergency doctors, nurses and technicians who staff GuideWell Emergency Doctors seven days a week. They provide high-quality, cost-effective care for the unscheduled medical needs of patients of all ages. With on-site diagnostic services that include CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound and lab work, GuideWell Emergency Doctors is prepared to treat major medical conditions as well as minor urgent care needs. The facilities are located in Lakeside Winter Park, near Trader Joe’s at the intersection of South Orlando Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, and in Orlando at 1706 N. Semoran Blvd., approximately 1 mile north of Colonial Boulevard. Learn more about GuideWell Emergency Doctors at GuideWellEmergency.com.