Published September 14, 2011 | 
What is Greenstick Fracture?How to cure Greenstick fracture ?Give you some time for reading this article,you will find answer.
What is Greenstick Fracture?
greenstick fracture
Greenstick fracture is a type of incomplete fracture. In this condition, one side of the fracture is broken and the other side is bent without any fracture. Therefore it is classified as an incomplete break. A greenstick fracture occurs due to mechanical failure on the tension side. That is, since the bone is not as brittle as it would be in an adult, it does not completely fracture, but rather exhibits bowing without complete disruption of the bone’s cortex in the surface opposite the applied force.
It is more commonly seen in children’s longbones. When a bending force is applied to a bone, the cortex on the concave side experiences a compression force (white arrow) and the cortex on the convex side experiences a tension force(black arrow). Children’s bones are sufficiently pliable to fracture the bony cortex on the tension side, but not on the compression side. The result is the very aptly named greenstick fracture. The effect can be similar to bending a green sapling compared to bending a dry twig or branch.
Causes of Greenstick Fracture
A common cause of a greenstick fracture is a fall, as falls can cause a bone to bend further than it is able too. Blunt trauma such as a blow can also cause such a fracture. The name “greenstick fracture” really is apt, because the best illustration of this fracture involves picking up a young twig and bending it; part of the twig breaks, generally not very cleanly, while the other side stays whole, although it may be stressed from the bending process.
Diagnosis of greenstick fracture
It is difficult to get all the details while diagnosing greenstick fracture as it does not cause all the signs and symptoms of a broken bone. The symptoms are observed for the diagnosis. X-rays and CT are used to diagnose the condition.
Treatment for Greenstick Fracture
Treating a greenstick fracture requires reducing the fracture, typically by pulling the bone apart slightly and then pushing it into place to straighten it out. To ensure that the fracture heals, the doctor will put the affected limb into a cast, immobilizing it so that the bone can grow back. Healing times for greenstick fractures are often very quick, and these fractures are typically not as painful as some other types of fractures, especially once the fracture has been reduced. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to bring down swelling at the fracture site.
A greenstick fracture is very risky and can go unidentified for weeks together. The area affected with a fracture usually appears swollen and reddish. Greenstick fractures cause severe pain in the affected area and many a time, younger children who are unable to express the events of its occurrence or the intensity of pain may cry uncontrollably. Older children may try to dismiss the pain by self control but are often seen to be protective of the affected area. Parents are advised to get prompt check up done from a orthopedist on having the slightest doubts or if the child has suffered a major fall.
If your child has suffered a greenstick fracture, make sure that they receive appropriate medical care with an orthopedist; maintain a record of your child’s medical treatment; avoid speaking with any insurance adjusters before you speak to a personal injury attorney.
