Will her fracture heal?

QMy little girl fell and hurt her arm. I was horrified when the hospital diagnosed a greenstick fracture. What’s that?

Amina, Bradford

AImagine bending a wet, green twig until the outside snaps, but the inside stays intact. That’s what happens with a greenstick fracture, where just one side of the bone breaks. They’re common in children under 10, whose bones are softer and less brittle than adults – just like green twigs.

It’s important to diagnose with an X-ray because without treatment there’s a danger that the rest of the bone will break. Treatment usually means a plaster cast, or occasionally a splint, for a few weeks.

If the bone is bent out of place, the doctor might need to straighten it first, usually after giving painkillers or anaesthetic. Greenstick fractures usually heal well, and if necessary an X-ray after a month or two can confirm healing.