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Greenstick Fracture
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Contents
Other Names
- Greenstick Fracture
Background
- This page describes greenstick fractures to the Radius and Ulna, however they can occur in other trabecular long bones
- Represent incomplete fractures of long bones, specifically mid-diaphyseal
History
- Named after a branch of a young tree that bends but breaks incompletely
Epidemiology
- Usually seen in children under 10, rarely occur in adults[1]
Pathophysiology
- Partial thickness fracture where only one side of cortex and periosteum are interrupted
- Compressive force results in a cortical irregularity on the convex side sparing the concave side
Etiology
- FOOSH
- MVC
- Sports
- Non-accidental trauma
Associated Injuries
Risk Factors
- Malnutrition
- Vitamin D deficiency
Differential Diagnosis
- Fractures
- Pediatric Specific Fractures
- Dislocations & Instability
- Soft Tissue Trauma
- Tendinopathies
- Neuropathies
- Pediatric Considerations
Clinical Features
- General: Physical Exam Forearm
- History
- Fall on outstretched hand or some other form of trauma
- Physical
- Pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness along radius or ulna
Evaluation
- Radiographs[2]
- Typically a mid-diaphyseal fracture
- Angulation
- Cortical breach occurs on only one side of the bone
Classification
- N/A
Management
Nonoperative
- Generally non-surgical
- If angulation is significant, need to perform closed reduction
- Acceptable angulation is < 30° under age 10, and < 20° age 10 and over
- Splint: Sugar Tong Splint
- Cast: Long Arm Cast or Short Arm Cast depending on location
- Duration approximately 6 weeks
Operative
- Indications Unknown
Return to Play
- Immobilization for 6 weeks
- Some period of rehab after
- Variable RTP
Complications
See Also
- Forearm Pain (Main)
- Elbow Pain (Main)
- Wrist Pain (Main)
- Forearm Anatomy (Main)
- Physical Exam Wrist
- Pediatric Fractures
References
Created by:
John Kiel on 30 June 2019 19:53:12
Authors:
Last edited:
31 October 2020 00:19:32
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