Children’s Bones and Fractures vs. Adults: Key Differences and What You Should Know

Introduction

Fractures are common injuries that can happen to anyone, but the way bones break and heal differs significantly between children and adults. Understanding the key differences in children’s bones and fractures compared to adults is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Whether it is a growth plate fracture in a child or a complete fracture in an adult, knowing how the bones react and recover is important for managing these injuries effectively.

Anatomy of Children’s Bones vs Adults’ Bones

The structure of children’s bones is very different from adults’ bones. In children, the bones are more flexible due to a higher amount of collagen. This makes them less likely to break completely but more likely to bend or partially crack. Children also have growth plates, which are areas of developing tissue at the ends of long bones. These plates are essential for bone growth, but they are also weaker and more prone to injury.

In contrast, adults’ bones are denser and stronger but less flexible. This means that adults are more likely to experience complete fractures. Additionally, the periosteum, a layer covering the bone, is thicker in children, which helps speed up the healing process. Adults, on the other hand, may experience slower bone healing, especially as they age.

Common Fractures in Children

Children’s fractures often involve incomplete breaks due to the flexibility of their bones. Greenstick fractures, where the bone bends and partially breaks, and Buckle (Torus) fractures, are common in young children. Growth plate fractures, also known as Salter-Harris fractures, are unique to children because adults do not have growth plates.

In adults, complete fractures are more common. These include stress fractures from repetitive movements and osteoporotic fractures in older adults, which are caused by weakened brittle bones. Unlike children, adults are less likely to experience fractures related to growth as their bones have already matured.

Healing and Recovery: Children vs Adults

The recovery process for fractures also varies greatly between children and adults. Children’s bones heal faster because their growth plates are active, and their bones receive a better blood supply. However, if a growth plate fracture is not treated properly, it can affect the child’s bone growth and lead to deformities. Regular follow-ups with an orthopaedic surgeon are essential to monitor fracture healing in children.

For adults, the healing process is slower. Factors such as age, nutrition, and overall health can affect how quickly an adult’s bone heals. Adults are also more likely to experience complications such as joint stiffness or improper alignment of the bone during recovery.

Bone Remodelling Potential in Children

Only young children have this ability where the broken bone is able to remodel itself to appear as how it was before the break.  The younger the child the better this ability.  Therefore, many fractures in young children do not require too much manipulation (bone-setting) allowing them to be treated just in a cast as even overlapping fracture ends will even out and straighten out in time as the child grows.

Diagnosing and Treating Fractures

Diagnosing fractures in children often requires imaging, such as X-rays, to assess the growth plates and the type of fracture. Orthopaedic surgeons typically prefer non-invasive treatments, such as casts or splints, for children to allow natural healing while ensuring proper growth. Children are also able to tolerate time in a cast and rarely have joints stiffness requiring formal therapy.

In adults, surgical interventions are frequently needed, especially for complex or displaced fractures. Adults develop joint stiffness in prolonged casting time and they may require physiotherapy during after removal of cast to restore mobility and strength in the affected limb.

Preventing Fractures in Children and Adults

Preventing fractures is possible with the right precautions. For children, ensuring safe play environments and supervision, using protective gear during sports, and maintaining a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D are effective ways to reduce the risk of fractures.

Adults should focus on bone health by engaging in regular weight-bearing exercises, avoiding smoking, and consuming a balanced diet. Older adults should also undergo regular bone density checks to monitor for osteoporosis.

Conclusion

Children’s bones and fractures differ significantly from those of adults in terms of structure, types of fractures, and recovery. Children’s bones are more flexible and heal faster, but growth plate injuries can lead to complications if not treated properly. Adults, on the other hand, face slower healing times and a higher risk of complications. Consulting an orthopaedic surgeon promptly after a fracture is crucial for ensuring proper treatment and recovery. By understanding these differences, you can take better care of your bones and those of your loved ones, whether young or old.