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Pediatric hand and wrist injuries.
Ariel A Williams1, Heather V Lochner
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, 601 North Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA, awilli67@jhmi.edu.
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine
|December 25, 2012
Summary
Childhood hand and wrist injuries are increasing due to sports participation. While most pediatric patients recover, treatment for common injuries like distal radius fractures requires careful consideration of current literature and controversies.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Sports Medicine
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Childhood hand and wrist injuries have risen over the past 40 years.
- Increased child weight and participation in high-impact sports contribute to this trend.
- These injuries present unique challenges in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common pediatric hand and wrist injuries.
- To focus on recent literature and evolving controversies in treatment.
- To provide an overview for orthopedists managing these cases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on pediatric hand and wrist injuries.
- Discussion of specific injury types including fractures and amputations.
- Analysis of areas with ongoing debate in orthopedic management.
Main Results:
- Common injuries include distal radius fractures, scaphoid fractures, metacarpal/phalangeal fractures, nailbed injuries, and amputations.
- The majority of children achieve good outcomes with appropriate treatment.
- Treatment strategies are evolving, with some areas of controversy.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric hand and wrist injuries are a growing concern requiring specialized orthopedic care.
- Understanding current literature and controversial topics is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
- Effective management balances established protocols with emerging evidence.
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