Greenstick

A type of bone fracture

Greenstick fracture
X-ray of a greenstick fracture in the forearm
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain, swelling, deformity
Complications	Rarely, may lead to complete fracture
Onset	Sudden, due to trauma
Duration	Varies, typically weeks to months
Types	N/A
Causes	Bending force on a bone
Risks	Children, due to softer bones
Diagnosis	X-ray
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Immobilization, sometimes surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with proper treatment
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

A greenstick fracture is a type of bone fracture that occurs predominantly in children. It is characterized by a bending of the bone, where the bone cracks on one side only, similar to how a green twig breaks. This type of fracture is named for its resemblance to the way a young, flexible branch of a tree breaks.

Pathophysiology

Greenstick fractures occur because children's bones are softer and more pliable compared to adult bones. The periosteum, a dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints, is thicker and more active in children, which contributes to the unique fracture pattern. When a bending force is applied to a child's bone, it may not break completely but instead bend and crack on one side.

Causes

Greenstick fractures are typically caused by a fall or direct blow to the limb. Common scenarios include falling off playground equipment, sports injuries, or accidents during play. The force of impact causes the bone to bend and partially break.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a greenstick fracture include:

• Pain at the site of the fracture
• Swelling and tenderness
• Visible deformity or bending of the limb
• Limited movement of the affected area

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a greenstick fracture is usually confirmed with an X-ray. The X-ray will show the characteristic bending and partial fracture of the bone. In some cases, additional imaging such as an MRI or CT scan may be used to assess the extent of the injury.

Treatment

Treatment for a greenstick fracture typically involves:

• Immobilization: The affected limb is immobilized using a cast or splint to allow the bone to heal properly.
• Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be recommended.
• Follow-up care: Regular follow-up visits with a healthcare provider to monitor healing.

In rare cases, if the fracture is severe or if the bone is significantly displaced, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the bone.

Prognosis

The prognosis for greenstick fractures is generally excellent, especially with prompt and appropriate treatment. Children's bones heal faster than adults, and most greenstick fractures heal without any long-term complications.

Prevention

Preventive measures include ensuring children wear appropriate protective gear during sports, supervising play activities, and teaching children safe play techniques.

Also see

• Bone fracture
• Pediatric orthopedics
• X-ray
• Orthopedic surgery