Paediatric Fractures

Question 1

Name 5 types of paediatric fractures

Answer 1

1) Complete fracture

2) Toddlers fracture

3) Plastic deformity

4) Greenstick fracture

5) Buckle (‘torus’) fracture

Question 2

describe a complete fracture

Answer 2

Both sides of the cortex are breached

Question 3

What is a Toddlers fracture?

Answer 3

Oblique TIBIAL fracture in infants

Question 4

What is a plastic deformity?

Answer 4

Stress on bone resulting in deformity without cortical disruption

Question 5

Describe a greenstick fracture

Answer 5

Unilateral cortical breach only

Question 6

What is a buckle fracture

Answer 6

Incomplete cortical disruption resulting in periosteal haematoma only

Question 7

When paeds fractures involve the growth plate, how are they classified?

Answer 7

Salter-Harris system

Question 8

Describe type I to V of the Salter-Harris system

Answer 8

Type I - fracture through the physis only (XR often normal)

Type II - fracture through physis and metaphysis

Type III - fracture through physis and epiphysis to include the joint

Type IV - fracture through physis, metaphysis and epiphysis

V - crush injury ivolving the physis

Question 9

Which classification of Salter-Harris require surgery?

Answer 9

Type III, IV and V will usually require surgery

Question 10

Which classification of Salter-Harris are often associated with disruption to growth?

Answer 10

Type V