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Broken bones in children: This is how parents recognize and act correctly!
Find out which bone fractures occur most frequently in children in the Rems-Murr district and when a doctor's visit is necessary.
Broken bones in children: This is how parents recognize and act correctly!
No child is spared from accidents that can happen while playing, running around or doing sports. Broken bones are particularly common, and not just in the very small ones. In fact, around 300,000 children's bones break every year in Germany, which requires parents' attention. [ZVW reports].
The long bones of the arms and legs are often particularly affected, with the radius near the wrist being one of the most commonly broken areas. Children play around a lot and fall easily, which often leads to harmless injuries that only require comfort and a plaster. In other cases, however, falls mean serious problems - quick action is required.
Caution is advised
How do you recognize a broken bone? Often the first signs are not immediately visible. Swelling or bruising can be the first indication that something is wrong. Kita.de gives important tips that if a fracture is suspected, a pediatric orthopedist should be consulted who can use an X-ray to make sure. The treatment varies depending on the bone affected; surgery is not always necessary.
The symptoms of a bone fracture are generally quite clear: swelling, bruising and pain are the warning signs. If necessary, the affected body part should be immobilized and cooled. Painkillers can help, but should be used carefully, as the instructions for the respective medication show. However, if there is a misalignment, the emergency service must be informed immediately.
Treatment methods
The most common methods for fixing bone fractures are plaster and plastic casts. In general, fractures heal faster in children than in adults. Approximately a quarter of fractures require surgical treatment, often with Kirschner wire. For children under five days old, the healing time is usually 2-4 weeks, while older children need up to five weeks. Adults often spend at least six weeks dealing with the consequences of a fracture.
However, parents also need to know that complicated fractures should be treated in a manner that takes into account the characteristics of the growing skeleton. If the initial care is not optimal or if persistent pain occurs, it is recommended to obtain a second opinion within a week, as the Kinderorthopedie Berlin emphasizes.
A quarter of injuries are caused by traffic accidents, which also requires quick action. Complaints caused by sports injuries or playing, on the other hand, are usually not as serious unless dangerous sports are involved. Parents should also keep a close eye on all potential sources of danger around their children in order to minimize injuries.
In fact, an important message for all parents is that education about road safety rules is necessary and that physical activity, well integrated into everyday life, can reduce the risk of accidents. So let's combine active gaming with a healthy awareness of safety!