Greenstick Fracture - Child

What has happened?

Your child has experienced a greenstick fracture
This is when the bone breaks through just one side instead of both - this is common in children

Your child's injury will be placed in a plaster cast in the Emergency Department (ED)
Your child may be very sore - this is normal and should be helped by the cast
The cast will stay on for 4-6 weeks, until the fracture has healed
You will also be given a sling to help your child with the weight of the cast

Ensure your child is wearing their sling at all times - the cast can be quite heavy for them and the sling helps protect the break
It may be more comfortable for your child to sleep or sit propped up on pillows
If your child seems to be in pain, they can be given simple pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen)
Keep the cast dry at all times by covering it with a plastic bag and secure it with tape before showering - a wet cast will get soggy and fall apart

Your child should avoid contact sports and activities (e.g. rugby, trampoline, play fighting) while in the cast

Yes, a follow-up appointment in the Orthopaedic Clinic will be requested when you leave the Emergency Department (ED) and you will be contacted about a date and time. This should be within the first week.

If your child's injury is not settling or you have other concerns, you should first see your GP - take your ACC form/number with you
Please seek medical attention if you experience the following
- Increasing pain in the arm or hand
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
- Your fingers go cold or turn blue white, compared with the other hand