Greenstick fractures

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing a greenstick fracture 
Greenstick fracture

A broken bone typically causes pain, swelling and deformity. But these may be absent or minimal in greenstick fractures. Greenstick fractures don't displace the bone, and in a growing child usually heal very well. Unless the child has pain or if there's bending or displacement of the extremity, or swelling, you may never know a fracture even occurred. Additionally, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a greenstick fracture and a soft-tissue injury, such as a sprain or a bad bruise.

When to see a doctor
Seek medical attention if your child is unable to move or bear weight on an injured limb.

References
  1. Carson S. Pediatric upper extremities injuries. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 53 (2006);41-67.
  2. Hay WW. Orthopedics: Trauma, fractures. In: Current Pediatric Diagnosis & Treatment. 18th ed. The McGraw Hill Companies; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2351689. Accessed July 22, 2008.
  3. Hopkins-Mann C, et al. Section 12: Musculoskeletal disorders in children. In: Tintinalli JE, et al. Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. The McGraw Hill Companies; 2004. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=598149. Accessed July 22, 2008.
  4. Green NE. Fractures of the forearm, wrist and hand. In: Skeletal Trauma in Children. 3rd ed. Saunders, St. Louis, Mo.; 2003. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/100201301-4/728371990/1219/127.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-9294-X..50013-2--cesec62_310. Accessed July 23, 2008.

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Oct. 21, 2008

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