Toddler's fracture: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Toddler's fracture | |||
| image = [[File:Tibfracture.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = X-ray showing a toddler's fracture of the tibia | |||
| field = [[Pediatrics]], [[Orthopedics]] | |||
| synonyms = Childhood accidental spiral tibial fracture | |||
| symptoms = [[Limping]], [[pain]] in the lower leg | |||
| complications = Rarely, [[malunion]] or [[delayed union]] | |||
| onset = Typically in children aged 9 months to 3 years | |||
| duration = Usually heals within 3 to 4 weeks | |||
| causes = Minor trauma, such as a fall or twisting injury | |||
| risks = [[Early walking]], [[active toddlers]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[X-ray]] | |||
| differential = [[Non-accidental injury]], [[osteomyelitis]], [[bone tumor]] | |||
| prevention = Supervision, safe play environments | |||
| treatment = [[Immobilization]] with a [[cast]] or [[splint]] | |||
| prognosis = Excellent with appropriate treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in young children | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|An article about Toddler's fracture}} | {{Short description|An article about Toddler's fracture}} | ||
A '''toddler's fracture''' is a type of [[spiral fracture]] of the [[tibia]] (shinbone) that occurs in young children, typically between the ages of 9 months and 3 years. This fracture is often the result of a low-energy trauma, such as a fall while walking or running, and is characterized by its subtle appearance on [[radiographic imaging]]. | A '''toddler's fracture''' is a type of [[spiral fracture]] of the [[tibia]] (shinbone) that occurs in young children, typically between the ages of 9 months and 3 years. This fracture is often the result of a low-energy trauma, such as a fall while walking or running, and is characterized by its subtle appearance on [[radiographic imaging]]. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
Children with a toddler's fracture may present with a sudden onset of limping or refusal to bear weight on the affected leg. There may be minimal swelling and tenderness localized to the tibia. Due to the subtlety of the fracture, it can be challenging to diagnose based solely on physical examination. | Children with a toddler's fracture may present with a sudden onset of limping or refusal to bear weight on the affected leg. There may be minimal swelling and tenderness localized to the tibia. Due to the subtlety of the fracture, it can be challenging to diagnose based solely on physical examination. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of a toddler's fracture is primarily made through [[X-ray]] imaging. The fracture line is often non-displaced and may be difficult to detect on initial X-rays. A high index of suspicion is necessary, and sometimes follow-up imaging is required to confirm the diagnosis. | The diagnosis of a toddler's fracture is primarily made through [[X-ray]] imaging. The fracture line is often non-displaced and may be difficult to detect on initial X-rays. A high index of suspicion is necessary, and sometimes follow-up imaging is required to confirm the diagnosis. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Management of a toddler's fracture typically involves immobilization of the affected limb. A short leg cast is commonly used to provide support and allow the fracture to heal. The duration of casting is usually around 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the age of the child and the specific characteristics of the fracture. | Management of a toddler's fracture typically involves immobilization of the affected limb. A short leg cast is commonly used to provide support and allow the fracture to heal. The duration of casting is usually around 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the age of the child and the specific characteristics of the fracture. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for a toddler's fracture is excellent, with most children recovering fully without any long-term complications. The bone typically heals well, and children can return to normal activities after the cast is removed. | The prognosis for a toddler's fracture is excellent, with most children recovering fully without any long-term complications. The bone typically heals well, and children can return to normal activities after the cast is removed. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
While it is difficult to prevent all falls and injuries in young children, ensuring a safe environment with appropriate supervision can help reduce the risk of fractures. Using safety gates, removing tripping hazards, and providing soft play surfaces are some measures that can be taken. | While it is difficult to prevent all falls and injuries in young children, ensuring a safe environment with appropriate supervision can help reduce the risk of fractures. Using safety gates, removing tripping hazards, and providing soft play surfaces are some measures that can be taken. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Fracture]] | * [[Fracture]] | ||
* [[Pediatric orthopedics]] | * [[Pediatric orthopedics]] | ||
* [[Tibia]] | * [[Tibia]] | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic injuries]] | [[Category:Orthopedic injuries]] | ||
[[Category:Pediatrics]] | [[Category:Pediatrics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:42, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Toddler's fracture | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Childhood accidental spiral tibial fracture |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Limping, pain in the lower leg |
| Complications | Rarely, malunion or delayed union |
| Onset | Typically in children aged 9 months to 3 years |
| Duration | Usually heals within 3 to 4 weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Minor trauma, such as a fall or twisting injury |
| Risks | Early walking, active toddlers |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, X-ray |
| Differential diagnosis | Non-accidental injury, osteomyelitis, bone tumor |
| Prevention | Supervision, safe play environments |
| Treatment | Immobilization with a cast or splint |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Excellent with appropriate treatment |
| Frequency | Common in young children |
| Deaths | N/A |
An article about Toddler's fracture
A toddler's fracture is a type of spiral fracture of the tibia (shinbone) that occurs in young children, typically between the ages of 9 months and 3 years. This fracture is often the result of a low-energy trauma, such as a fall while walking or running, and is characterized by its subtle appearance on radiographic imaging.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Children with a toddler's fracture may present with a sudden onset of limping or refusal to bear weight on the affected leg. There may be minimal swelling and tenderness localized to the tibia. Due to the subtlety of the fracture, it can be challenging to diagnose based solely on physical examination.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of a toddler's fracture is primarily made through X-ray imaging. The fracture line is often non-displaced and may be difficult to detect on initial X-rays. A high index of suspicion is necessary, and sometimes follow-up imaging is required to confirm the diagnosis.
Management[edit]
Management of a toddler's fracture typically involves immobilization of the affected limb. A short leg cast is commonly used to provide support and allow the fracture to heal. The duration of casting is usually around 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the age of the child and the specific characteristics of the fracture.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for a toddler's fracture is excellent, with most children recovering fully without any long-term complications. The bone typically heals well, and children can return to normal activities after the cast is removed.
Prevention[edit]
While it is difficult to prevent all falls and injuries in young children, ensuring a safe environment with appropriate supervision can help reduce the risk of fractures. Using safety gates, removing tripping hazards, and providing soft play surfaces are some measures that can be taken.