IMAGE OF THE WEEK

WEEK 12

  

 

 

 

GREENSTICK FRACTURE

 

Fractures in the paediatric population often are different to those in adults.  This reflects the soft nature of young bone, especially in those under 10 years of age.  There big aspects are different and worth considering.

 

A. Fractures in relation to the physis (growth plate)

The physis or growth plate is present in the immature skeleton and fractures related to this are of great importance as it may influence bone growth.  This is classified with the Salter Harris classification.  See:  http://archive.student.bmj.com/issues/04/04/education/148.php

 

B.  Avulsion Fractures

The bone is soft relative to the tendinous insertions in children, so avulsion injuries are more common.  Basically the bone is avulsed, rather than the tendon snapping, which is the case in adults.  For example, an anterior superior iliac spine avulsion (ASIS) fracture of the pelvis.

 

C.  Greenstick (Torus) Fracture

The bone is soft, so it bends rather breaks like in adults.  This is like a young green stick off a tree, which tends to bend rather than break as opposed to an old stiff stick or branch from a tree that would snap if trauma is applied.

 

Images prepared by Dr Ian Bickle, Consultant Radiologist, RIPAS Hospital, Brunei Darussalam.

All images are copyrighted and property of RIPAS Hospital.

 

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