Carenotes > Leg Fracture In Children

Leg Fracture In Children

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is a leg fracture? A leg fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in any of the bones of your child's leg. There are three long bones that make up his leg. The femur, or the thigh bone, is the longest bone in your child's body. The tibia, or shin bone, and the fibula, located behind the tibia, make up the lower leg. The leg bones help support your child's weight.

The leg bones may break in different locations depending on the cause. Fractures may be simple (a single crack or break). This may or may not cause the leg to move out of its normal position. The leg bones may also break into many pieces. Fractures may also affect the tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels around the affected bone. When this kind of fracture happens, immediate treatment and surgery is often needed. With treatment, such as a cast, surgery, and medicine, complications may be prevented and your child may resume his normal activities.

What causes a leg fracture? The most common cause of leg fractures in children is trauma. Trauma may include an injury caused by a fall, car accident, sports injury, and physical abuse. Leg fractures are commonly seen in small children learning to walk and are known as a toddler's fracture. This is a twisting injury that causes a fracture of the tibia and is due to a toddler's unsteady walk. Stress fractures, which are caused by repeated stress to the bones, may be seen in children and teenagers. These are caused by doing frequent heavy physical activities, such as sporting activities and physical training. Problems with bone formation, tumors, and bone diseases may weaken the bones and cause fractures later on.

What are the signs and symptoms of a leg fracture? Your child may feel a severe pain in his leg. A lump, swelling, and bruise may also be seen at the site of the fracture. Your child may have trouble walking or putting weight on the affected leg. He may also have difficulty in raising the affected leg while lying down.

How is a leg fracture diagnosed? Your child may need one or more of the following tests:

• X-rays: Your child may need x-rays of his leg to check for broken bones or other problems. Several pictures may be taken of the bones in your child's leg. An x-ray of his uninjured leg may also be taken.
  
  
• Computerized tomography scan: This test is also called a CT or CAT scan. This is a type of x-ray that uses computers to take pictures of your child's leg. Your child may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help caregivers see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your child's caregiver if your child is allergic to shellfish or has other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This test is also called an MRI. The test uses magnetic waves to take pictures of the leg, ankle, and foot area.
  
  
• Bone scan: During this test, pictures are taken of your child's bones. Your child is given a small, safe amount of radioactive dye in an IV. Caregivers can look at the pictures for broken bones, infection, or cancer in the bones.

How is a leg fracture treated? Treatment will depend on the kind of fracture your child has. Your child may need one or more of the following:

• Cast or brace: Keeping the broken bones from moving is very important. A cast or brace may be put on your child's leg to keep the bones from moving. A hip spica cast may be needed if your child had leg surgery.
  
  
• Medicines: Medicines may be given to help with your child's pain. Your child may need antibiotic medicine or a tetanus shot if he has an open wound.
  
  
• Supportive therapy: Ice packs may be put on your child's leg to decrease swelling, pain, and redness. Physical therapy may be needed once swelling and pain are gone. A physical therapist may assist your child with special exercises. This may help his leg recover faster and become stronger. Your child may have to use crutches to help him walk. Crutches will also help your child take some weight off the injured leg while it heals.
  
  
• Surgery: Surgery is often a treatment option in leg fractures. Caregivers may make an incision (cut) on your child's leg and line up the broken pieces of the affected bone. Wires, screws, or metal plates may be used to hold the fractured bones in place.

With treatment, such as a cast, surgery, and medicine, complications may be prevented and your child may resume his normal activities.

Where can I find more information? Having a leg fracture may be hard for your child and your family. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont, IL 600184262
  Phone: 1-847-8237186
  Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.

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