Radius Fractures in 9-Year-Olds: Healing and Recovery

Q: Radius Fractures in 9-Year-Olds: Healing and Recovery

Hello Jesi： The cast can be removed after 6 weeks (1.5 months). <br>For the first three weeks, follow-up X-rays should be taken weekly (or every two weeks) to confirm that the fracture remains in alignment and has not shifted. <br>Therefore, regular follow-up visits are essential

Radial fracture in a 9-year-old child?

Hello, the child fell while playing on a snake board and sustained a fracture of the right radius (the exact location is unknown, whether it is in the distal third or referred to as the radial shaft).
The physician performed a closed reduction and applied a cast.
How long will it take to heal and when can the cast be removed? After the cast is removed, can rehabilitation and some light activities be started? Is this location difficult to heal? Is there a risk of nonunion?

Jesi, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/14

Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics

Hello Jesi: The cast can be removed after 6 weeks (1.5 months).
For the first three weeks, follow-up X-rays should be taken weekly (or every two weeks) to confirm that the fracture remains in alignment and has not shifted.
Therefore, regular follow-up visits are essential.
After the cast is removed, rehabilitation is not significantly impactful for children; it is best to let it progress naturally.
In children, fractures in this area usually heal well as long as there is proper immobilization, with very few cases of nonunion.
However, regular follow-up visits during the first few weeks are crucial, especially for older children, as some may experience malunion (deformity) that requires surgical correction.
Changhua Hospital, Orthopedics, Dr.
Li Wen-Hong.

Reply Date: 2020/06/14

More Info

When it comes to radius fractures in children, particularly in a 9-year-old, there are several important factors to consider regarding healing, recovery, and rehabilitation. Radius fractures, especially those occurring in the distal third or the shaft of the radius, are common in pediatric populations due to the high activity levels and the nature of childhood play.

Healing Time and Cast Removal
Typically, a radius fracture in a child can take about 4 to 6 weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the fracture and the child's overall health. After the initial treatment, which in your case involved manual reduction and casting, the physician will monitor the healing process through follow-up X-rays. Once the fracture shows signs of adequate healing, the cast can be removed.

Rehabilitation Post-Cast
After the cast is removed, it is generally advisable to start rehabilitation exercises. However, the timing and intensity of these activities should be guided by the physician or a physical therapist. Light activities can usually begin shortly after cast removal, focusing on restoring range of motion and strength without overloading the healing bone. It’s crucial to avoid high-impact activities until the bone is fully healed and the physician gives the green light.

Healing Challenges and Risks
In terms of healing challenges, radius fractures in children generally have a good prognosis due to their remarkable remodeling potential. Children’s bones are more flexible and have a higher capacity to heal compared to adults. However, factors such as the exact location of the fracture, the type of fracture (e.g., simple vs. complex), and the child's adherence to post-treatment care can influence healing.
While most radius fractures heal well, there is a small risk of complications such as nonunion (where the bone fails to heal) or malunion (where the bone heals incorrectly). The risk of these complications can be minimized by ensuring proper alignment during the initial treatment and following up with appropriate rehabilitation.

Conclusion
In summary, for a 9-year-old with a radius fracture, you can expect a healing time of about 4 to 6 weeks, with the possibility of starting light rehabilitation exercises shortly after cast removal. It is essential to follow the physician's advice closely and monitor for any signs of complications. If there are concerns about the healing process or if the child experiences persistent pain or functional limitations, further evaluation may be necessary. Regular follow-ups with the healthcare provider will help ensure a smooth recovery and return to normal activities.

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