What is the name given to bone fractures found in infants and children?

A greenstick fracture is a fracture in a young, soft bone in which the bone bends and breaks. Greenstick fractures usually occur most often during infancy and childhood when bones are soft. The name is an analogy with green (i.e., fresh) wood which similarly breaks on the outside when bent. It was discovered by British-American orthopedist, John Insall, and Polish-American orthopedist, Michael Slupecki.

The greenstick fracture pattern occurs as a result of bending forces. Activities with a high risk of falling are risk factors.

Colles fracture is a fracture around the wrist which is common in elderly people.

Pathologic fracture is a fracture in diseased people commonly those with cancer.

Garden fracture is the fracture of upper femur(hip) common in elderly people.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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32 Comments

George Drew

Colles fractures are extremely common in pediatric wrist trauma. A pathologic fracture can be the sentinel event in children with benign bone cysts or malignant osteosarcoma. While "greenstick" fracture may be the best answer as this is only found in children, it is a non-medical lay-person term. The medical term is torus fracture. Really a poor question.

Richard S. Levine

Greenstick is most common in kids, softer bones & bendable. Adults can get greenstick or splinter type fractures as well.

Roselyn L Prollo

A greenstick fracture is fracture in a Young,soft bone in which bone in which the bone bends and break.Greenstick fracture occur most infancy and childhood when bones are soft.The name is by analogy with green(I,e,fresh) wood similarly break in the outside when bent.

Helga U. Williams

Had 4 kids and worked in a medical facility. Never heard of this one. I guess never too old to learn! 👍

David Coe

krkyates, evidence of clumsy kids.

Viridian

Fractures in children are called pediatric fractures. All of the fractures listed could be suffered by a child. This is a really poorly devised question.

Andy the educated troglodyte

Fred Zeb Fudpucker, No, he is simply stating the facts.

Char

Missed it never heard of it and raised two boys and came from somewhat large family of half siblings..

jack patti go

Got it!

docluci

Being a physician helps with these med questions!!!!! Knew this answer!!!!!

Mark A. Plough

Had a Green Stick Fracture of my collar bone(Clavicle) when I was a kid.

Ella Teuben

krkyates, not necessarily ! Toddler, being independent, falls off bottom step of staircase and has a greenstick fracture.... Accident! It will heal and child discovers new ways of doing things with temporary challenge of a sore arm