Treatment of fractures in children and adolescents

Fractured bones are common in children and adolescents. Approximately every other child has at least one fracture during their childhood or adolescence. Good recovery requires actively moving the healing limb and gradually increasing load after casting.

On this page, we have gathered information on children's and adolescents’ fracture treatment. Under the menu, you will find written instructions with pictures as well as videos showing exercises that improve recovery.

The majority of toddlers and school children with fractures recover after treatment by engaging in their normal activities and play where the child is naturally active. At the last check-up appointment, we will advise families, if necessary, on how long the child should avoid hobbies or activities that may pose a risk of refracture.

With difficult fractures and with adolescents whose growth has almost ended, we encourage patients to actively perform the exercises listed on this page until the function of the fractured limb has returned to the level preceding the injury. The exercises should be performed actively especially right after casting and surgery.

Monitoring and treatment of a limb in a cast

1. The fractured limb may ache and it may swell after the cast has been put on. For the first few days, it is best to keep the casted limb mostly elevated above the level of the heart, for example with the help of pillows.

2. Toes or fingers outside the cast should remain mobile, normal in color, and warm. A good cast does not press any spot or compress too much. You should not experience any tingling or numbness on the limb. The limb may develop some injury-related bruising.

3. The cast must be checked once or twice a week. It should be clean and sturdy, but it should not feel tight.

If the topmost bandages are too loose/tight, you will need to re-bandage them so that they are suitably supportive.
Please note that there are different types of casts depending on the type of fracture. Not all casts can be tightened.

4. The cast must be kept dry. Going to sauna and swimming are forbidden.

The cast must be protected with a towel and a plastic bag while washing. Modern cast materials do not break down when exposed to moisture, but the soft padding under the cast must be kept dry to prevent it from irritating the skin.

Contact us, if

The cast breaks, becomes loose / comes off.
There is pain in the casted limb, and pain medication and elevation of the limb do not help.
Circulation in fingers or toes is not sufficient (blueish colour / loss of sensation).
The cast gets wet to the degree that dampness inside the cast may damage the skin or the limb itches severely. Don’t stick anything inside the cast!
If there is cut / surgical wound under the cast and you think it may be infected (worsened pain and smell).

Contact information

Medical Helpline, for medical advice, tel. 116 117
Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, New Children’s Hospital phone service tel. 09 471 73006 (select line 3), Mon–Fri 8:00–11:00 a.m. and 1:00–2:00 p.m.