

Fractures in Children

Fractures in Children

What is a fracture in a child?

A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture happens, it is classified as either open or closed:

  • Open (compound) fracture. The bone breaks through the skin. Or the skin has a deep wound that exposes the bone.
  • Closed (simple) fracture. The bone is broken, but there is no wound in the skin.

What causes a fracture in a child?

Fractures happen when more force is applied to the bone than the bone can absorb. Bones are weakest when they are twisted. Breaks in bones can happen from falls or trauma, or as a result of a direct hit to the body.

What are the symptoms of a fracture in a child?

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. But below are the most common symptoms a child will have if he or she breaks a bone:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Obvious deformity of the bone
  • Trouble using or moving the bone in a normal manner
  • Warmth, bruising, or redness


How is a fracture diagnosed in a child?

Your child’s healthcare provider makes the diagnosis with an exam and diagnostic tests. During the exam, he or she asks about your child’s health history and how the injury happened.

Your child may also need:

  • MRI. This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body. It’s done to rule out any related abnormalities of the spinal cord and nerves.

How is a fracture treated in a child?


An open fracture is an emergency. This is when the bone breaks through the skin. Or when the skin has a deep wound that exposes the bone. Call 911 to get medical care right away.

The goal of treatment is to control the pain, help the bone heal, and prevent complications so your child can use the fractured area again normally. Treatment may include:

  • Splint or cast. This keeps the broken bone in place while it heals.
  • Medicine. Certain medicines can ease pain.
  • Traction. This treatment gently stretches the muscles and tendons around the broken bone to allow the bone ends to align and heal. It uses pulleys, strings, weights, and a metal frame attached over or on the bed.
  • Surgery. Your child may need surgery to put certain types of broken bones back into place. Sometimes the surgeon puts metal rods or pins inside the bone or outside the body to hold the bone pieces in place. This helps them heal in the correct position.

Key points about a fracture in a child

  • A fracture happens when more force is applied to the bone than the bone can absorb. It can happen from falls or injury, or as a result of a direct hit to the body.
  • A child with a broken bone may have pain, swelling, and trouble moving the injured area.
  • Treatment may include a cast or splint, pain medicine, or surgery.

Next steps


  • Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
