Citation

Hart ES, Albright MB, Rebello GN, Grottkau BE. Orthop. Nurs. 2006; 25(4): 251-256.

Affiliation

Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16900069

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most frequently encountered problems in pediatric practice, with fractures accounting for a surprisingly large percentage of these injuries. A fracture occurs when bone is subjected to more energy than it can absorb. Pediatric healthcare providers must have a good understanding of normal bone growth and development and must recognize common mechanisms of injury and fracture patterns seen in children. Nearly 20% of children who present with an injury have a fracture, and it is estimated that 42% of boys and 27% of girls will sustain a fracture during childhood (Wilkins, 1996). The immature skeleton has several unique properties that directly affect the management of fractures in children.

Language: en