Michelangelolaan 2
5623 EJ Eindhoven

040 - 239 91 11

Greenstick fracture in children (Folder)

Your child has a small fracture in the lower-arm, which is called a greenstick fracture. This fracture is treated with a brace and a sling.

Summary

• Your child has a small fracture in the lower-arm.
• This type of injury almost always heals well without any loss of function.
• A routine follow-up is not necessary for this type of injury.
• The sling can be removed as soon as your child’s pain allows this. The brace can be removed after 2 weeks. If your child is still in too much pain, the use of the brace and sling can be reduced in the third week.
• To prevent the wrist from getting stiff, it is important that your child starts moving the wrist after 1-2 weeks.
• You can find instructions on how to reapply the brace in the app in the App store (iPhone) or Google Store (Android). See QR-code for more information online.
• If you have any questions, or are experiencing problems with your recovery, you can call the “breuklijn” (fracture hotline) (+31) 040 239 96 40 on workdays between 9.00 and 12.00.

Treatment

The greenstick fracture of the wrist or lower-arm is a common injury in children. This type of injury is called a greenstick fracture because it looks like a young twig that has been bent. It is treated with a brace and a sling.

Instructions

Follow these instructions for a good recovery.

• The brace and sling will keep your child’s arm in a comfortable position.
• The sling can and should be removed as soon as your child’s pain allows. Continue to wear the brace for two weeks. If your child is in too much pain after 2 weeks, you can continue to use the brace into the third week. After the third week, your child should not wear the brace anymore.
• The fracture is close to the wrist. It is important that your child starts moving the wrist after 1-2 weeks. This will prevent the wrist from getting stiff and will improve healing and recovery.
• After 3 weeks, your child can gradually start all usual activities again as soon as your child’s pain allows this. If your child is still in too much pain, it is better to wait a few more days.
• When your child takes a shower, the brace can be removed. Make sure that the arm is completely dry before putting on the brace again. You can find instructions on how to reapply the brace in the app.
• Is your child in pain? Use a mild pain killer such as paracetamol (acetaminophen). Do not wait until the pain is too much.

Recovery

• This type of injury almost always heals well with time and use – no specific treatment is required and routine follow-up is unnecessary.
• Does the pain increase, or does it not improve? Please contact the “Breuklijn” (fracture hotline, see below).

Exercises

The fracture is close to the wrist. Therefore it is important that your child starts moving the wrist after 1-2 weeks. No specific exercises are necessary.

Questions? Please call us!

If there are any questions after reading the information, please contact the Breuklijn at 040 239 96 40 between 09.00 and 12.00.

In case of an emergency or problems that cannot wait until the next weekday, please contact our emergency department at 040 – 239 96 00

Contact

Catharina Ziekenhuis Eindhoven
040 – 239 91 11
www.catharinaziekenhuis.nl

Breuklijn (Fracture hotline)
(+31) 040 239 96 40 (on workdays 9.00 – 12.00h)

Route numbers and other information about our emergengy department can be found at: www.catharinaziekenhuis.nl/spoedeisende-hulp

App Virtual Fracture Care

In our app you can find more information about your injury. You can also find exercises here to improve your recovery. You can find the app in the Appstore (iPhone) and in the Google Store (Android).

You can also scan the QR-code. You will then automatically be directed to the app.