Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Fracture/Dislocation

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: June 2002
Last Revision Date: June 2002

• What is fracture?
• What causes it?
• What are the symptoms?
• How is it treated?
• What is a dislocation?
• What causes it?
• What are the symptoms?
• How is it treated?
• How can these injuries be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is fracture?

• A fracture is an injury to a bone.
• Some fractures can cause a broken bone to poke through the skin.

What causes it?

• Fractures are caused when too much pressure is put on a bone.
• When too much pressure is put on a bone, it will break or crack.
• Stress fractures are caused by repeated pressure put against a bone, such as when running.
• Some common causes of fractures include falls, car accidents, child abuse, running, or something hitting the body.

What are the symptoms?
It is hard to tell a fracture from a dislocation. Get medical help for either one right away. Symptoms of a fracture may include

• extreme pain when the injured area is touched
• not being able to move or use the injured area as well as normal
• the injured area looks different or strange
• swelling
• bruising
• the injured area is numb or feels tingly

How is it treated?

• Do not try to reshape the bone. Try to keep the injured area from moving. Keep the patient as still as possible.
• Call the doctor.
• The doctor may need to take X-rays.
• In some cases, the doctor will need to put the joint back in place.
• Your child might have to wear a splint or a cast.
• He may need to use crutches or a wheelchair while the injury heals.
• The doctor might recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat pain.
• The doctor will probably recommend R.I.C.E treatment, or rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
• Rest the injured area. The doctor may ask your child not to participate in physical activities for a time.
• Put ice on the injury to bring down swelling.
• Ask the doctor about using compression.
• Elevate the injured area (keep it propped up on a pillow).

What is a dislocation?

• A dislocation is when two connected bones separate.
• In severe dislocations, the bone may come completely out of the socket.
• Dislocations can happen to the shoulder, hip, knee, elbow, ankle, finger, thumb, or toes.
• The shoulder joint is the most easily dislocated.
• Dislocations are uncommon in children. Children are more likely to suffer from a fracture than a dislocation.
• Dislocations are more common in adolescents.

What causes it?

• Dislocations are caused when extreme pressure is put on a ligament (tissues that connect bones at a joint).
• Dislocations can be caused by hits or falls.
• Dislocations are common sports' injuries. Injuries are most common in contact sports, such as football, or sports that involve falls, such as downhill skiing or soccer.

What are the symptoms?
It is hard to tell a fracture from a dislocation. Get medical help for either one right away. Symptoms of a dislocation vary but may include:

• pain in the injured area
• swelling
• difficulty moving or using the injured area as well as normal
• the injured area looks different or strange
• warmth, bruising, or redness around the injury

How is it treated?

• Do not try to put the bone back into place yourself.
• Take your child to the doctor.
• The doctor may need to take X-rays.
• In some cases, the doctor will need to put the joint back in place.
• Your child might have to wear a splint or a cast.
• He may need to use crutches or a wheelchair while the injury heals.
• The doctor might recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat pain.
• In more serious cases, the child may need surgery.
• Sometimes, physical therapy is needed. A special doctor will help your child stretch and exercise the injured area.
• The doctor will probably recommend R.I.C.E treatment, or rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
• Rest the injured area. The doctor may ask your child not to participate in physical activities for a time.
• Put ice on it to bring down swelling.
• Ask your doctor about using compression.
• Elevate the injured area (keep it propped up on a pillow).

How can these injuries be prevented?

• Use car seats for infants and toddlers. Children should always ride in the backseat and use seatbelts.
• Wear helmets when biking, skating, skiing, etc.
• Wear shin guards, kneepads, and other protective gear during physical activities.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Take steps to prevent falls.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor right away if you think your child has a dislocation or fracture.
• Call the doctor if your child has had a serious fall, accident, or injury.
• Call the doctor if your child cannot move an injured area as well as normal.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or condition.

Quick Answers

• A fracture is an injury to a bone.
• Fractures are the result of too much pressure being put on the bone.
• Fractures can be caused by hits, falls, or repeated pressure (as in running) to a bone.
• The symptoms of a fracture include pain, swelling, bruising, or not being able to move the injured area.
• Fractures are usually treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
• A dislocation is when two connected bones separate. They are common in the knee, shoulder, fingers, and other joints.
• Dislocations are the result of too much pressure being put on a joint.
• The symptoms include pain, swelling, warmth or bruising in the injured area, or not being able to move the injured area.
• Dislocations are usually treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
• To prevent these injuries, wear helmets and other protective gear during physical activities. Children should use car seats and seatbelts. Take steps to prevent falls.
• Call the doctor right away if you think your child has a dislocation or fracture.

References

• The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dislocations. http://www.chop.edu/ 1996-2001 (cited 2002 May 9).
• MayoClinic. Dislocation. http://www.mayoclinic.com/ 2002 January 07 (cited 2002 May 9).
• MEDLINEplus: Medical Encyclopedia. Fracture. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/ 2001 April 09 (cited 2002 May 9).

This information is written primarily for patients.

See related Patient Topics Bones, Joints and Muscles, Dislocations, Fractures or Injuries and Wounds.

See related Provider Topics Bones, Joints and Muscles, Fractures or Injuries and Wounds.

All contents copyright © 1992-2004 the Author(s) and The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.

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