Principles of fracture care

Abstract

In childhood, bone has certain characteristics that are quantitatively different from those of the adult. First, the modulus of elasticity is relatively high and the thick periosteal sleeve adds further resistance to complete fracturing. Hence buckle (torus) and greenstick fractures are relatively common, although they may be more extensive than plain radiographs suggest. Second, it should be appreciated that bone tends to give way before ligament in the prepubertal child: apophyses and other bony points of soft tissue attachment avulse before the tendon ruptures or the ligament tears. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2010.