Differential diagnosis of pediatric incomplete fractures

Approach to the differential diagnosis of incomplete fractures:

  • A unique way that children’s bones differ from adult’s bones is that children’s bones are elastic which leads to a spectrum of metaphyseal / diaphyseal fractures:
    — Bowing deformity / fracture
    — Torus fracture
    — Greenstick fracture
  • …before a Complete fracture occurs