Broken bones (also called “fractures”) include when a bone is cracked, a small part is broken off, or when the entire bone is broken in two or more pieces. At Nemours, our pediatric orthopedic surgeons and doctors provide expert diagnosis and treatment for all types of kids’ bone breaks, big and small.

Learn More About Broken Bones 

We diagnose and treat kids’ broken bones in all parts of their bodies. The types of broken bones we treat include:

• avulsion fracture (when a tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece from a bone)
• buckle or torus fracture (an outward bend on one side of a bone without breaking the other side)
• comminuted fracture (when a bone breaks into more than two pieces)
• compression fracture (when the bone collapses)
• greenstick fracture (a break on one side of the bone only)
• growth plate fractures (when a break happens at the end of a child or teen's bone where it’s still growing)
• stress fracture (when there’s a tiny crack in the bone)

We offer a complete range of diagnostic and treatment options for children with broken bones, which may vary depending on the location you visit.

• diagnosis. One of our doctors, physician assistants (PAs) or nurse practitioners (NPs) will examine your child’s injury. If your child doesn’t first see one of our orthopedic specialists, one may be consulted and may manage your child’s treatment. Orthopedic doctors and surgeons specialize in the bones and joints. We’ll probably order an X-ray so we can see what kind of break it is and where, exactly, the bone is broken.
• casting, splinting or bracing. We treat most broken bones in kids with casts, splints or braces. These help keep your child’s broken bone from moving while it heals. Sometimes bones need to put back in place before we can put on a cast, splint or brace. This is called “setting the bone” or a “reduction.” We may give your child medicine to help ease any pain or discomfort, and help your child relax. Our expert will then gently but firmly use their hands to move the bone pieces back into place.
• surgery, if needed. Kids with more complicated injuries may need surgery. If so, we’ll give your child anesthesia and our orthopedic surgeon will move the bones into the correct position. We may need to attach a plate, screw or wire to your child’s bone to help it heal.
• physical and occupational therapy (including certified hand therapists) help restore kids’ function and strength

Our orthopedics teams are known across the country and around the world for their excellent care for kids. In fact, year after year, many on our team are recognized as "Best Doctors in America®," as well as "Top Doctors" by local magazines in our regions.

Regional Broken Bones Highlights

Services, programs and care teams differ at each location. Call for details.