[Fractures close to the epiphysis in children. Part I: upper extremities]

Fractures in children require special knowledge and skills due to the differences in biological and biomechanical properties of growing skeletons. Children suffer from fractures of the upper extremities much more than fractures of the lower extremities. While fractures of the diaphysis have a high regenerative and proliferation potential, impairment of the growth plate with consecutive disturbance of growth can be found more often in fractures close to the epiphysis. Most epiphysis fractures in children can be identified by a set of 2-plane X-ray images but precise knowledge about the skeletal maturation is required. In order to correctly decide about treatment regimes (conservative versus operative treatment) the limitations and limits of the ability of bone to correct misalignment must be anticipated. Clinical examination following fracture healing is mandatory to recognize differences in length, misalignment and deficits in function, which should receive further treatment.