Greenstick fracture
| Greenstick fracture | |
|---|---|
| Greenstick fractures on X-ray. | |
| Specialty | Orthopedics Pediatrics |
A greenstick fracture is a partial bone break that typically occurs in children due to their more flexible and resilient bone composition. This fracture pattern is characterized by a break on one side of the bone while the other side remains intact and bends, similar to breaking a young, green tree branch. Greenstick fractures most commonly affect the long bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) but can also occur in other long bones throughout the body. Treatment generally involves immobilization with a cast to allow proper bone healing, though in some cases, it may be necessary to realign the bone before casting.