Fractures (breaks in the bone) are common childhood injuries. Fractures are most common in the upper extremities. Signs your child may have a fracture include:
- Swelling or bruising
- Injured area is very painful to touch or move
- Deformity (the bone may be poking through the skin)
Take your child to the nearest emergency department right away if you believe he may have a fracture. An X-ray is the only way to know for sure if a bone is fractured. Based on the type of fracture, a splint, cast or surgery may be needed for the bone to heal properly. More complex fractures may require reconstructive surgery.