A greenstick fracture is a type of bone fracture that commonly occurs in children, particularly those under the age of 10. It occurs when the bone partially breaks, causing it to bend and crack, but not completely break. This results in a fracture that is often described as being "incomplete".

Greenstick fractures are most commonly seen in the long bones of the body, such as the forearm and shin bones, and are often caused by falls or direct blows to the affected area. Symptoms of a greenstick fracture can include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected limb.

Diagnosis of a greenstick fracture is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans. Treatment for a greenstick fracture may involve immobilizing the affected limb with a cast or splint to allow the bone to heal. In some cases, surgery may be required to realign and stabilize the fractured bone.

Most children with greenstick fractures heal well and do not experience any long-term effects. However, it is important to monitor the affected limb and follow up with a healthcare professional to ensure proper healing and to address any potential complications.

Childhood fractures most commonly occur with a fall. Arm fractures are more common than leg fractures, since the common reaction is to throw out your arms to catch yourself when you fall.

Depending on the severity of the greenstick fracture, the doctor may need to straighten the bone manually so it will heal properly. Your child will receive pain medication and possibly sedation drugs for this procedure.

Greenstick fractures have a high risk of breaking completely through the bone, so most of these types of fractures are immobilized in a cast during healing.

On occasion, your doctor may decide that a removable splint could work just as well, particularly if the break is mostly healed. The benefit of a splint is that your child might be able to take it off briefly for a bath or shower.

X-rays are required in a few weeks to make sure the fracture is healing properly, to check the alignment of the bone, and to determine when a cast is no longer needed. Most greenstick fractures require four to eight weeks for complete healing, depending on the break and the age of the child.