What to do with broken bones?

Children are very active, easily injured and sometimes break a bone. When it comes to fractures, however, they have an advantage over adults: Fractures in children grow together more quickly and usually without complications due to the still very active bone metabolism and better blood circulation. In addition, the bones of small children can break without destroying the periosteum. This injury is called a greenstick fracture. Because green wood is succulent and pliable and does not entirely break apart when pressed together, this is an advantage for the injury because the periosteum encloses the fracture tightly, and the bone at the fracture site can heal better.

How can you recognize a broken bone?

It is not always easy to find out whether the child sustained a fracture when falling or perhaps just a sprain. Sometimes, only an X-ray examination can give the final clarity. If a bone fracture is suspected, the child should always be taken to a hospital for an X-ray. If a fracture is overlooked, bone growth can be disrupted, and bone or joint misalignment can occur.

As a rule, a child has severe pain after a bone fracture, and the area around the fracture is also susceptible to touch. There is swelling of the surrounding soft tissues, possibly associated with bruising. Because of the pain, the child rests on the affected extremity and only moves it to a limited extent. This, in turn, leads to a reduction in strength. The affected limb may show abnormal position or mobility, occasionally making a grinding noise.

What to do?

• Soothe your child, keep them warm and safe.
• Ensure that the affected extremity does not move and try to keep it still (e.g., padding it with a pillow if you break a leg or a triangular cloth if you break an arm).
• Refrain from attempting to correct misalignments or set joints on your own. Splints with sticks are also only used in emergencies when no medical help is to be expected for an extended period.
• In the case of neck and spine injuries, These injuries are hazardous (risk of paraplegia). The child must not be moved under any circumstances, especially the head must not be lifted! Try to hold the child in place with blankets and pillows. Call the emergency services.
• Open fractures: The wound is covered with sterile pads to prevent infection.
• Closed Fractures:   Cool affected area.
• Call the emergency services For broken bones in the lower extremity and pelvis. Heavy internal bleeding can occur here, and there is a risk of shock. There is also a risk of shock if there is a suspicion of neck and spine injuries or multiple fractures.
• In case of a broken arm or hand, immobilize the limb (triangle cloth from the first aid kit) and take the child to the hospital without haste.