Greenstick Fracture

Introduction

A Greenstick fracture is a break in a continuity of bone. It typically occurs in children and more commonly less than 10 years of age. Forearm bones and leg bones are mainly affected. Mild greenstick fractures sometimes are thought to be sprains.

Epidemiology

The affected area in greenstick fracture may be swollen, red or may be blackened. The intense pain and swollen might be absent in mild fractures. The better treatment lies in removable splints. Most fracture generally takes four to eight weeks for complete healing.

Statistics

In 1990, approximately 1.66 million world-wide hip fractures occurred which is expected to increase to 6.3 million by the year 2050. The highest rate of fractures occur in young adults between age of 15 and 24 or adults 65 years of age and older.