Pediatric fractures: A nursing perspective

Pediatric fractures are common, and need to be identified quickly to optimize patient outcomes. Common causes of pediatric fractures include high levels of activity and sports, although recent research specifically suggests that many fractures are caused by children playing on hoverboards and monkey bars. Pediatric fracture patterns include plastic deformation, buckle or torus, greenstick, complete, and spiral. Frequent nursing assessments are crucial for detecting and treating complications of fractures, including neurovascular assessments. Nurses also play a role in preventing one of the most common complications of pediatric fractures: acute compartment syndrome (ACS). To detect ACS, frequent assessment is needed through observation of the "3 As" (Anxiety, Agitation, and increasing Analgesia requirements). Nurses must also educate parents and their families regarding signs and symptoms, causes, and complications of pediatric fractures to decrease patient harm and healing times. This article discusses common fracture patterns and their causes, brief treatment options, and ACS as a fracture complication, and includes associated nursing implications throughout.