Condition Lookup

Greenstick fractures

Sub-category: Common Pediatric Injuries

Symptoms:
pain; swelling; bruising; tenderness at the fracture site; limited range of motion

Root Cause:
A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture that occurs in the soft bones of children, where one side of the bone bends while the other side breaks, typically due to a bending force.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through physical examination and confirmed with X-rays to assess the bone's integrity and the extent of the fracture.

Treatment:
Treatment involves realigning the bone (if needed) and immobilizing it with a cast or splint. Severe cases may require surgery.

Medications:
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol ) or ibuprofen (Advil), which are both analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications, can be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Greenstick fractures are relatively common in children, with a higher incidence in those aged 5-10 due to the flexibility of their bones.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High activity levels, sports injuries, and falls; more common in children with brittle bone conditions like osteogenesis imperfecta.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally excellent, with full recovery expected in most cases after 4-6 weeks, though there may be some lingering discomfort.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Possible complications include improper healing or bone malalignment, which may require additional treatment or surgery.

Growth plate (physeal) fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Pediatric Trauma

Sub-category: Common Pediatric Injuries

Symptoms:
pain; swelling; decreased range of motion; bruising; deformity in severe cases

Root Cause:
Growth plate fractures occur when the bone is subjected to stress or trauma before it has fully matured, which can lead to damage at the area where the bone grows.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves a clinical exam and imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to assess the extent of the fracture and growth plate involvement.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture, ranging from immobilization with a cast to surgery in more complex cases to realign the bones and ensure proper growth.

Medications:
Analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol ) or ibuprofen (Advil) may be prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Growth plate fractures account for about 15-30% of all pediatric fractures, with a peak incidence in the 10-16 year age group.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High activity levels, sports injuries, and trauma are common risk factors. Certain medical conditions like bone disease may also increase susceptibility.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good prognosis if treated early and appropriately. In severe cases, growth disturbances can occur if the growth plate is damaged significantly.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include growth disturbances, limb length discrepancies, and deformities.

Non-accidental trauma (child abuse-related injuries)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Pediatric Trauma

Sub-category: Common Pediatric Injuries

Symptoms:
unexplained bruises or burns; fractures in various healing stages; head injuries; abdominal pain; signs of neglect or poor hygiene

Root Cause:
Non-accidental trauma is caused by intentional harm or injury inflicted upon a child, often by a caregiver or family member.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves a careful history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Suspicion of non-accidental trauma leads to a multidisciplinary team assessment, including social work, radiology, and sometimes forensic evaluation.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on immediate medical care for injuries, followed by ensuring the child’s safety and providing support to address the emotional and psychological consequences of abuse. Involves coordination with child protection services.

Medications:
Pain management with analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol ) or ibuprofen (Advil) for physical injuries. Psychiatric medications may be used to treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD related to trauma.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 4 children will experience some form of abuse before the age of 18, and it is responsible for a significant proportion of pediatric injury hospitalizations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Factors such as domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness in caregivers, and poverty increase the risk of non-accidental trauma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis varies depending on the severity of the injuries and the timing of intervention. Immediate medical and psychological support can improve long-term outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term physical and psychological consequences such as developmental delays, emotional trauma, and physical disabilities are possible. In extreme cases, abuse can lead to death.