Diseases

Green Stick Fracture

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A greenstick fracture is a fracture in a young, soft bone in which the bone bends and breaks. Greenstick Fractures usually occur most often during infancy and childhood when bones are soft. The name is by analogy with green (i.e., fresh) wood which similarly breaks on the outside when bent.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of a greenstick fracture vary depending on the severity of the fracture. You may only develop a bruise or general tenderness in more mild fractures. In other cases, there might be an obvious bend in the limb or fractured area, accompanied by swelling and pain.

CAUSES

Non-accidental injury more commonly causes spiral (twisting) fractures but a blow on the forearm or shin could cause a green stick fracture. The fracture usually occurs in children and teens because their bones are flexible, unlike adults whose more brittle bones usually break.