JUVENILE JOINT FRACTURE

Juvenile joint fractures refer to fractures that occur in children and adolescents. The fractures occur in the bones that form a joint, such as an elbow, knee, ankle, or wrist. Also, these fractures are different from fractures in adults. This is because the bones in children and adolescents are still growing and developing. So, this makes them more flexible and less likely to fracture in the same way that adult bones do.

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What is Juvenile Joint Fracture?

Juvenile joint fractures refer to broken bones in children and adolescents. They can occur in any joint but are most common in the wrist, ankle, and elbow. These fractures are often caused by high-energy impacts, such as falls or sports injuries, and can result in severe pain and swelling. Furthermore, treatment typically involves immobilizing the affected joint with a cast or brace, followed by physical therapy to help restore range of motion and strength. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of the bones and ensure proper healing.

Causes of Juvenile Joint Fracture

The causes of juvenile joint fractures in children and adolescents can include:

Trauma: Falls, sports injuries, and other high-energy impacts are the most common causes of these joint fractures.
Osteogenesis imperfecta: Also known as brittle bone disease, this genetic condition makes bones more susceptible to fractures.
Weak bones: Children and adolescents with low bone density or other conditions that weaken bones are at a higher risk of joint fractures.
Overuse injuries: Repetitive stress on a joint, such as from participating in a sport, can lead to fractures over time.
Pathological fractures: Fractures that occur in bones that have been weakened by diseases, such as cancer or osteoporosis.

It’s important to seek medical attention if a child or adolescent has experienced a traumatic injury. If the child experiences joint pain, the fracture may be the cause and prompt treatment will speed healing.

Symptoms of Juvenile Joint Fractures

The symptoms of juvenile joint fractures can include:

Pain: The affected joint will usually be painful and may become swollen.
Bruising: The skin over the fracture site may turn black and blue.
Tenderness: The child or adolescent may feel tenderness when the area around the fracture is touched.
Limited range of motion: The child or adolescent may be unable to move the affected joint as usual.
Deformity: The affected joint may appear misshapen or twisted.
Instability: The affected joint may feel loose or unstable.
Difficulty bearing weight: Children or adolescents with a lower extremity fracture may have difficulty standing or walking.

If a child or adolescent experiences any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as prompt treatment is necessary for proper healing.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What causes juvenile Joint fractures

The causes of Juvenile joint fractures point to high-energy impacts, such as falls or sports injuries, osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), weak bones, overuse injuries, and pathological fractures (fractures caused by diseases such as cancer or osteoporosis.

What are the symptoms of juvenile joint fractures?

Fractures in the joints of children and adolescents, often referred to as “juvenile joint fractures,” can present with various symptoms depending on the location and severity of the injury. Some common symptoms and signs of juvenile joint fractures include:

Pain: Pain is the most common and immediate symptom of a joint fracture. The intensity and location of pain may vary depending on the joint affected and the type of fracture.
Swelling: Swelling around the joint is a typical response to an injury or fracture. It can lead to increased discomfort and restricted joint movement.
Deformity: In some cases, a fracture may cause a visible deformity or misalignment of the joint. This is more common in displaced fractures.
Bruising: Bruising or discoloration may develop around the affected joint due to injury to blood vessels.
Limited Range of Motion: A fractured joint may be difficult to move, and there could be a significant reduction in the joint’s range of motion.
Tenderness: The area around the fracture site is often tender to the touch. This tenderness can help pinpoint the location of the fracture.
Inability to Bear Weight: In fractures involving the lower limb joints (e.g., the knee or ankle), the child may be unable to bear weight on the affected leg.
Crepitus: Crepitus is a grinding or popping sensation or sound that may occur when the joint is moved, caused by the rough edges of the fractured bone rubbing against each other.
Numbness or Tingling: Nerve damage may occur with certain fractures, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the area supplied by the affected nerve.
Discoloration and Coldness: Severe fractures can disrupt blood flow, leading to a bluish or pale discoloration of the skin and a sensation of coldness in the affected limb.

How do Doctors treat juvenile joint fractures?

Common treatments for juvenile joint fractures include immobilization, pain management, physical therapy, surgery, and follow-up care. The specific treatment will depend on the type and location of the fracture. In addition, doctors will consider the child or adolescent’s age, overall health, and the severity of the injury to develop a treatment for the injury.

When children break bones, parents need to take them to the very best doctors. At the Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists, we are the best. We specialize in children and their bones.

Treatments for Juvenile Joint Fracture

The treatment for juvenile joint fractures can vary depending on the type and location of the fracture. In addition, the doctor will consider the child or adolescent’s age and overall health. As such, some common treatments for these fractures include:

Immobilization: The affected joint may be placed in a cast, brace, or splint to keep it still while it heals.
Pain management: Pain-relieving medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be prescribed to help manage pain and reduce swelling.
Physical therapy: After the fracture has healed, physical therapy may be recommended to help restore range of motion and strength to the affected joint.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of the bones and ensure proper healing.
Follow-up care: Regular follow-up appointments with a doctor or physical therapist may be necessary to monitor the child or adolescent’s progress and ensure proper healing.

It’s important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and seek prompt medical attention. If the child or adolescent experiences any new or worsening symptoms, your doctor should be notified.

The Average Healing Time for a Juvenile Joint Fracture

The average healing time for a juvenile joint fracture can vary depending on several factors, such as the type and location of the fracture, the child or adolescent’s age and overall health, and the severity of the injury. However, some general guidelines for the healing time of juvenile joint fractures are:

Simple fractures: These fractures may take 4 to 8 weeks to heal, depending on the location and type of fracture.
More complex fractures: These fractures may take longer to heal, from several months to a year or more, depending on the severity of the injury and any complicating factors.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that healing times can vary greatly and the actual healing time for a specific child or adolescent will depend on the individual circumstances of their injury. Consequently, it’s best to follow the doctor’s recommendations and attend all recommended follow-up appointments to monitor the child or adolescent’s progress and ensure proper healing.

Why Choose Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists

Orthopedics is a specialty of our doctors and surgeons at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists. Therefore, they understand your concerns and can answer your questions regarding your child’s condition. Their excellence allows them to use their specialized knowledge and training to find a medical solution. Richard Hostin, MD, Shyam Kishan, MD, and Kathryn Wiesman, MD, specialize in children and are considered to be the very best by many children’s doctors.

Patients choose Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists because of their excellence. Secondary reasons are as follows:

Cutting-edge technology: Our practice uses the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. In addition, we use minimally invasive procedures that reduce pain and promote faster recovery.
Comprehensive care: Our practice offers a full range of services, from diagnostic imaging and physical therapy to surgery. We ensure that patients receive complete, seamless care for their spinal conditions.

Our board-certified physicians and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons use the full range of treatments to treat their patients. Finally, Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists are medical experts with offices in Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, and McKinney, TX, and offer cutting-edge technology, comprehensive care, and dedicated facilities to ensure the best possible care for their patients. Call today to make an appointment for your child.

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Footnote:

Bone Abstracts: Juvenile Joint Fracture

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