Pediatric emergency medicine trisk 3410 3410

Injury frequency increases with increasing age as children become
more mobile and active.
The anatomy and physiology of the immature skeleton results in unique
pediatric fracture patterns including greenstick, torus (buckle), and
physeal (growth plate) fractures.
Pediatric bones have less tensile strength than the attached ligaments,
resulting in higher rates of fracture from mechanisms that would
produce a sprain or dislocation in skeletally mature bone.
In addition to examination of the injured extremity with inspection,
palpation, range of motion (passive and active), and neurovascular
examination, there should also be a careful examination of the joints
proximal and distal to the point of maximal tenderness.
The Salter–Harris classification of physeal injuries describes five types
of injuries involving the physis and provides important prognostic
information.
Weight-based dosages for pain control should be provided for all
pediatric fracture patients both in the ED and once discharged home.
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