Greenstick Fracture

Course overview

A greenstick fracture is a partial-thickness fracture where only the cortex and periosteum are interrupted on one side of the bone, while they remain uninterrupted on the other side. Greenstick fractures occur most commonly after a fall on an outstretched arm (FOOSH); however, they can also occur due to other types of trauma, including motor vehicle collisions, sports injuries, or non-accidental trauma where the child is hit with an object. Malnutrition, specifically vitamin D deficiency, increases the risk of greenstick fractures of the long bones after trauma. This activity reviews the evaluation, management, and pathophysiology of greenstick fractures and highlights the interprofessional team's role in caring for affected patients.