Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma

The management of pediatric orthopedic trauma continues to evolve rapidly. Whereas the strong healing potential of pediatric patients often allows for the nonoperative treatment of most conditions, many injuries require urgent operative treatment to ensure that patients may return to all activities without disability. Some injuries may require additional follow-up and interventions, as complications such as growth arrests or deformity may occur. This article summarizes the most common fractures and orthopedic injuries of the pediatric patient. The keys to diagnosis, acute management, nonoperative and operative treatments, and complications are discussed. The detection and management of nonaccidental trauma are also examined.