fracture, toddler

A toddler fracture is, not surprisingly, a common fracture of toddlers and preschoolers. It occurs when the child is running or steps on something on the floor and loses his footing. A sudden twisting of the tibia (shin bone) causes a fracture in a spiral pattern. These can be actually quite difficult to see on xray unless or even if the angle of view is just right. A bone scan may be needed to show the fracture. Eventually the fracture site will be visible as healing begins and new bone is formed to repair the fracture.

Symptoms are what one would expect: pain, refusal to walk, minor swelling or warmth over the fracture, and pain when the site of the fracture is pressed. A long-leg cast is applied to relieve the symptoms. Healing is rapid, within 3 or 4 weeks.

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