Managing Posttraumatic Limb Deformity in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients

Musculoskeletal injuries in children offer unique challenges compared with those in adults. Even low-energy injuries that involve the physis have the potential to cause a growth disturbance that could require treatment. Higher-energy injuries can be complicated by the same soft-tissue disruption, fracture contamination, and bone loss that are seen in adults. However, small patient size and injury proximity to a physis can complicate both immediate and long-term management. It is important to be aware of treatment tools and strategies when managing complex injuries in young patients.