A greenstick fracture is a type of broken
bone. A bone cracks on one side only, not all the way through the bone. It
is called a "greenstick" fracture because it can look like a branch that
has broken and splintered on one side.
Who Gets Greenstick Fractures?
Most greenstick fractures happen in kids younger than 10 years old because their
bones are softer
and more flexible than adult bones.
In teens and adults, the injury may break the bone all the way through. But in
children, the bone breaks on one side only.
How Do Greenstick Fractures Happen?
Greenstick fractures usually happen when a child falls
and reaches a hand out to break the fall.
How Are Greenstick Fractures Treated?
Usually,
specialists treat this type of fracture with a cast.
